Podcasts about discussion questions

Most couples think about selfishness as an individual problem, but what if a marriage itself can become inward-focused? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss what it means to steward your marriage for God's glory, leverage your resources for the Kingdom, and move from keeping score to living on mission together.Discussion Questions1- When we honestly evaluate our marriage, are we more inward-focused or Kingdom-focused? If someone observed our marriage for a month, would they conclude we're living on mission?Where do we tend to keep score against each other?2- Which area are we stewarding well? Not well? Time, Money, Resources, Health, Gifts3- Who outside our family is being impacted by our marriage?4- What is one practical step we could take this month to better leverage our marriage for God's Kingdom?

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on the ways God invites us to grow through the relationships He has entrusted to us. We talk about the importance of rightly ordered love, why true friendship always draws our gaze toward Christ, and the beauty of virtuous friendships between men and women. We also talk honestly about the fears, wounds, and misunderstandings that can arise in friendship, and the importance of repair in deepening a friendship. Friendship is not about finding someone to complete us, but about walking together toward holiness while helping one another become who God created us to be.    Other Resources Mentioned: Restore the Glory Podcast on Confession   Announcement: You can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: When have I experienced healthy and holy friendship between men and women? Where is my gaze within my friendships? Do any of my friendships serve a higher purpose than just the friendship itself? When have I experienced enmeshment or avoidance within friendships? Do I prioritize my most important relationships? Who has the Lord especially entrusted to me?   Discussion Questions: How are you pursuing a friendship with the Lord? Do you think that men and women can have virtuous friendships? When have you unhealthily looked to a friendship to satisfy all your needs? Have you ever felt spread too thin in your friendships? Which example of holy friendship from the book resonates with you?   Quote to Ponder: "Just as love for neighbor proceeds from love for God, so does faith concerning creatures proceed from this love, whether it be general faith or special faith. As there's a general faith corresponding to the love which we ought to feel in general to every creature, so there is a special faith belonging to those who love one another more intimately, like the faith which has established a close particular love between us two." (St. Catherine of Siena)   Scripture for Lectio: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9)   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:35 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 05:11 The Friendship of St. Catherine and Bl. Raymond 08:57 The Order of Friendship 11:40 Can Men and Women Have Virtuous Friendships? 16:43 Friendship Ordered Towards Christ 19:24 Why Friendship with God Comes First 23:51 Growing Through Different Stages of Friendship 28:02 Rupture and Repair in Friendship 31:48 Closing Prayer

Send us Fan MailRELENTLESSPart 1 | Running From MercySenior Pastor Keith Stewart July 19, 2026If you look around our culture today, everything seems to be divided into "us" and "them." Every day we're told who to fear, who to blame, who to despise, and who deserves our outrage. The anger comes from the right and from the left, and before long it begins to shape our own hearts. What's surprising is that God's remedy for this isn't found in a New Testament command or a self-help book. It's found in one of the shortest books of the Old Testament—the book of Jonah. Because Jonah isn't really written for irreligious people. It's written for people like us. People who know God, worship God, and yet can still find themselves resisting the very things God loves. Jonah has a great deal to teach us about who God is, how God works, and how He wants to transform our hearts.Discussion Questions 1. Before hearing this message, what did you think the book of Jonah was primarily about? Did anything in this week's teaching challenge or expand your understanding of the story? 2. Pastor Keith said, "The book of Jonah is a mirror." In what ways do you see yourself in Jonah's attitudes or actions? 3. Why do you think Jonah resisted God's call to Nineveh? Was it fear, prejudice, nationalism, hatred, or something else? What does his motivation reveal about the human heart?4. Read Jonah 1:1–3. Jonah ran in the opposite direction of God's command. What are some ways people today can run from God without ever leaving home? 5. The sermon emphasized that all people matter to God. Why is that truth sometimes easy to affirm in theory but difficult to practice with certain people? 6. Pastor Keith asked several searching questions:  Who scares you?  Who offends you?  Who can you not stand?  Who would you rather see judged than forgiven?Without naming individuals if it would be inappropriate, why do you think those questions are so difficult to answer honestly?7. Throughout Jonah 1, the pagan sailors often behaved more compassionately than God's prophet. What do you think God is trying to teach us through that surprising reversal?8. The message suggested that Jonah's deepest problem wasn't simply disobedience but misdirected love—he loved his nation more than God's heart for the nations. What are some good things that can become disordered loves in our own lives?9. Read John 3:16–17 together. How does verse 17 deepen or reshape your understanding of verse 16? 10. Pastor Keith closed by praying, "God, make me into a grace giver, not just a grace receiver." What would that look like in one specific relationship or situation this week?Closing PrayerAsk God to reveal any "Jonah heart" within us—a place where resentment, prejudice, fear, or self-righteousness has replaced compassion. Pray that God would help us see people the way He sees them and become willing participants in His relentless pursuit of those He loves.

What Can't They Take From You? Discussion Questions for 10:32-39: Read verse 32. How does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen you during present suffering? Read verse 33. How does your identity in Christ help when others shame, reject, or misunderstand you? Read verse 33. Why does knowing Christ shares our suffering help us stand with others who are hurting? Read verse 34. What better, lasting possession(s) do believers already have in Christ here and now? Discuss. Read verse 35. What great reward does confidence in Jesus bring into your life today? Read verses 36–38. How does trusting God's grace help you endure and stay in tune with His will? What is His will for you? Read verses 37–39. Consider your new identity in Christ and how it plays into you never shrinking back in unbelief (rejecting the gospel). Explain.

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

John Reynolds - Adult Ministries Pastor In 1 Corinthians 7:1–16, Paul reminds us that God's design for marriage, singleness, and sexuality is ultimately meant to display the gospel and bring glory to Christ. Whether married or single, every follower of Jesus is called to submit to His authority, trusting that His design leads to our good and his glory Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect  Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/first-corinthians-discussion-questions  

This sermon explores Jesus's final words to His disciples in the Upper Room, focusing on His promise not to leave them as orphans. The central message addresses how believers often struggle with an "orphan spirit"—a mindset of living as though we are abandoned, unprotected, and forced to survive on our own, rather than as beloved sons and daughters of God. Through the promised Holy Spirit (the Paraclete), believers receive not just God's presence but His power, advocacy, and constant affirmation of their identity in Christ. The sermon challenges the congregation to stop confusing God's silence with His absence and to transition from trying to earn God's love through performance to resting in the security of being permanently adopted into His family. The key is learning to approach God's Word not as a legal obligation or audit of performance, but as a love letter from a Father who speaks life-giving promises over His children.Read John 14:15-18Jesus promised He would not leave us as orphans. In your moments of silence from God, remember that silence does not equal absence. The disciples faced their greatest fear—abandonment by the One who gave them identity and purpose. Yet Jesus assured them of the Holy Spirit's coming. Today, examine where you've confused God's silence with His absence. Are there unanswered prayers causing you to doubt His faithfulness? The Spirit of God stands with His arm around you, silencing every accusation. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. His presence is with you forever—no conditions, no clauses, just unwavering commitment to remain with you always.Discussion Questions:-In what ways have you confused God's silence with God's absence in your own life, and how might understanding the difference transform your relationship with Him?-How does viewing God's Word as a love letter rather than a rulebook change the way you approach Scripture and obedience?-Which of the promises listed in the sermon (forgiven, loved, chosen, blameless, complete, etc.) do you struggle most to believe about yourself, and why?

Conflict is inevitable in marriage, but it doesn't have to be destructive. In this episode, Derek, Andrew, and Gabrielle discuss how to move from unhealthy patterns of defensiveness and scorekeeping toward biblical reconciliation, healthy communication, and deeper intimacy.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- When conflict arises, do you naturally move toward fight, flight, or freeze?- Which unhealthy conflict pattern shows up most often in your marriage?- What family-of-origin experiences influence the way you handle disagreement?- How would your conflicts change if your mindset became "How do we win?" instead of "How do I win?"- Do you have trusted people in your life who can help mediate conflict when needed?- Is there an unresolved conflict that needs a conversation this week? RESOURCES: The Thing Beneath the Thing by Steve CarterHarris Creek sermon series: "Conflicted" 

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on what it means to be truly known, deeply loved, and fully at home with another. We talk about why we must first learn to abide in the love of God, how appreciation helps others become who they were created to be, and what it looks like to grow in friendship over time. Whether friendship feels life-giving or challenging in this season of your life, we invite you to bring every desire, wound, and longing before the Lord, who first calls you His friend.    Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: How is the Lord inviting me to cultivate deeper community where I live? Where in my life am I trying to love others without being in communion with God? Am I truly allowing the love of Christ to come out within a community? Am I at home with the Lord? How have I been possessive of my relationships within my community? When have I experienced belonging within community? How can I create more reverent space in my relationships to allow others to become?   Discussion Questions: How is the Lord calling you to mission? When you think about a friendship or marriage that you admire, what qualities of that relationship inspire you? Who are the people in my life that I feel at home with? How have you experienced possessiveness negatively impacting your relationships? Where do you long for a deeper sense of belonging? Which friends and relationships have played a role in helping you become who God has created you to be?   Quotes to Ponder: "The mission of joy and friendship within the Christian community is even more fundamental than the Church's mission to the poor and needy, because love and joy are the source from which all ministry to the sorrowing must flow." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 7)   "The wonderful mystery which is you is not complete until you are appreciated." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 19)   Scripture for Lectio: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:12-15)   Sponsor - Ascension: For the first time in more than 50 years, the Church in the United States will begin praying with a new translation of The Liturgy of the Hours starting in 2027. This long-awaited update marks a historic moment in the life of the Church and offers the opportunity for a renewed encounter with her daily prayer. Chosen by the USCCB as one of the official publishers, Ascension has carefully crafted an edition designed to serve the Church's prayer for generations. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to provide exceptional readability, lasting durability, and beauty worthy of this sacred tradition. Ascension's Edition features: Original commissioned artwork rooted in Catholic Tradition Top-of-the-line typesetting to maximize readability Custom Ascension Serif typeface to support extended prayer Durable Smyth-sewn binding and premium materials crafted for daily use Availability in multiple formats to support individual prayer needs Available in both Standard and Large Print formats, with three cover materials to choose from, The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition may be preordered as individual volumes or as the complete four-volume bundle. Volume II will begin shipping on January 1, 2027, in time for use beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027. Experience the beauty of the Church's daily prayer in an edition thoughtfully crafted to support prayer for generations. Preorder The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition at www.AscensionPress.com/Abiding.   Timestamps: 00:00 Ascension 01:32 Intro 02:18 Welcome 02:37 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 03:31 Mission Comes from Community 05:26 Abiding in God's Love First 10:42 The Feeling of Belonging 14:18 Appreciation is Necessary in Friendship 17:22 We Help Others Become Themselves 20:09 Intimacy is Being at Home with Someone 25:49 Being Attentive to Fear 26:59 Closing Prayer

Can a Christian Sin Away Their Salvation? Does Hebrews 10 prove you can lose your salvation? Many people think so, but only because they skip the context. Before the warning comes one of Scripture's greatest declarations of confidence: you're perfectly forgiven, forever cleansed, and welcomed into God's presence through Jesus' finished work. Discover why Hebrews isn't threatening believers with judgment but urging undecided people to embrace Christ. You'll leave with ten unshakable reasons to rest confidently in your relationship with Jesus. Discussion Questions for Hebrews 10: Read verses 19-20. What's the "new and living way"? How does it inspire "confidence"? What does verse 20 reveal about when it began? Read verse 21. In what ways is Jesus a greater priest than the priests of the Old Covenant? Read verse 22. What do "sprinkled clean" and "washed with pure water" communicate about what Christ has already done for us? Read verse 23. What does it mean to "hold fast" our confession, and why is God's faithfulness (not ours) the basis of our hope? Read verses 24–25. What is the purpose of gathering together? How is this different from a church-attendance "checklist" mentality? Read verses 26-28. What does "sinning willfully" mean here? How does "set aside" in verse 28 reveal the meaning? Read verse 29. What do the descriptions "trampled under foot," "regarded as unclean," and "insulted the Spirit of grace" reveal about the kind of rejection described here? Read verse 30. In the Old Testament quotation, who are "His people," and how does that context help us understand the warning? Skip to verse 39. Why is this final verse of the chapter such an important conclusion? What assurance does it give believers after the warnings?

He Must IncreaseJohn the Baptist embodied the whole Old Testament only to point away from himself. "He must increase, but I must decrease" wasn't resignation; it was joy. This week we look at what it means to find contentment not in our own increase, but in Christ's, and why that pattern of decrease has always been the path to glory. OutlineThe man: John, the Old Testament embodiedThe text: he must increase, I must decreaseThe calling: decrease, that he may increaseDiscussion QuestionsJohn found joy, not resentment, in decreasing so Christ could increase (v. 29). Where do you struggle most to celebrate someone else's increase over your own? "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven" (v. 27). How would resting in that truth change the way you hold your gifts, role, or position in life? Verse 36 moves from belief to obedience — dead faith stops at belief, but living faith walks. Where is there a gap between what you believe and how you're actually living? The sermon traces self-denial through family, church, and community as the shape of the Christian life. Where is God calling you to decrease this season so someone else can increase?

Jeremiah Porter - Regional Director - The 6:4 Fellowship Your body matters to God. He created it, redeemed it, and dwells in it. So, use it for His glory! Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect  Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/first-corinthians-discussion-questions

This sermon explores John 14:1-14, examining Jesus's words to His disciples in the Upper Room after announcing His betrayal and departure. Jake addresses how Jesus comforts troubled hearts not by changing circumstances or providing explanations, but by offering Himself as the answer. The message emphasizes that when life falls apart and we don't know which way is up, Jesus doesn't wait for our pain to be resolved before sitting with us in it. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—not just information about God, but the very presence of God with us in our darkest moments. The sermon challenges believers to stop shelving their pain and instead bring their unresolved grief, disappointment, and confusion directly to Jesus, who understands troubled hearts because He Himself was troubled.Read John 14:1-4Jesus speaks His most comforting words in the most painful moments. When the disciples' world was collapsing, He didn't offer explanations—He offered Himself. Notice that Jesus doesn't deny the reality of their circumstances or pretend their fear isn't valid. Instead, He acknowledges their troubled hearts while pointing them toward something greater than their circumstances. The God we serve doesn't comfort us by pretending our suffering isn't real. He enters into it with us. Today, whatever has stolen the air from your room, know that Jesus isn't waiting for you to understand it before He sits with you in it. His presence is the promise.What circumstance are you waiting to understand before you bring it to Jesus?Discussion Questions:-When have you experienced a moment where the air felt like it was sucked out of the room, and how did that affect your faith in God's presence during that time?-The pastor mentioned that we often shelve our pain and keep following God without knowing what to do with our grief or disappointment. What have you placed on the shelf, and what would it look like to bring that before Jesus today?-Philip asks to see the Father while looking directly at Jesus. In what ways might you be asking God to reveal himself while missing his presence that is already with you?-Jesus tells his failing, doubting disciples that they will do greater works, not because of their competency but because of his presence. How does this challenge your belief about needing to have it all together before God can use you?

Sex is one of the most talked-about topics in culture, but can be one of the least understood topics in the church.This week, Derek and Gabrielle sit down with pastor and author Mick Murray to discuss God's beautiful vision for sexuality, how sin distorts intimacy, why marriage doesn't automatically heal sexual brokenness, and how couples can pursue greater intimacy, healing, and freedom together.RESOURCESBooks- A Beautiful Vision by Mick MurrayPodcasts- Meditations (Mick Murray)- Ideology (Mick Murray)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- What messages about sex did you learn growing up?- Have we ever treated sex primarily as self-serving rather than self-giving?- Are there unspoken expectations about intimacy that we need to discuss?- What barriers currently keep us from greater emotional intimacy?- How can we invite God more intentionally into this area of our marriage?

In this episode, we begin our summer book study on Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP. We focus on the foreword and prologue and reflect on the difference between prudence and fear, the ways we self-protect in relationships, and our longing for authentic communion. We also talk about what it means to love without possessing, how to receive others as a gift, and why friendship is a foretaste of heaven.    Other Resources Mentioned: Friendship in the Lord Study Webpage Small Group Discussion Guide   Announcement: If you'd like a copy of Friendship in the Lord, you can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: How do I self protect and hide myself in my relationships? When have I felt embarrassed by my own need for friendship? Do I allow people to be free in my relationships? How has a friend failed me and how have I failed a friend?   Discussion Questions: How do you define good friendship? How have your friendships brought you closer to the Lord? How is God inviting you to bring your relationships into closer communion with God? When have you experienced possessiveness in your friendships? What hopes and desires do I have for my friendships?   Quotes to Ponder: "A true friend is a sort of icon of God, an other through whom the Lord's kindness and mercy shine in a manner that binds up and anoints our brokenness." (Forward to Friendship in the Lord, Fr. John Burns, xv)    "As Fr. Hinnebusch says so well, "What a Christian friend wants above all else for the loved one is his or her communion with the Lord. The one I love, my wife, my husband, my friend, belongs first of all to the Lord. And in that sense, I am only the friend of the Bridegroom. He alone is true Spouse of each and every human heart. He must increase, while I must decrease."" (Forward to Friendship in the Lord, xvii)   "A friendship is two lives joined in love and lived as one. But friendship in the Lord is never two people closed in upon themselves. Each of the friends is fully open to the Lord and open to other friends in such a way that the friendship is always part of a larger community. The Christian community is a cluster of many friendships knit together." (Preface to Friendship in the Lord, xix)    Scripture for Lectio: "Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.  But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,     and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."  When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,  but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus." (Matthew 1:10-25)   Sponsor - Ascension: For the first time in more than 50 years, the Church in the United States will begin praying with a new translation of The Liturgy of the Hours starting in 2027. This long-awaited update marks a historic moment in the life of the Church and offers the opportunity for a renewed encounter with her daily prayer. Chosen by the USCCB as one of the official publishers, Ascension has carefully crafted an edition designed to serve the Church's prayer for generations. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to provide exceptional readability, lasting durability, and beauty worthy of this sacred tradition. Ascension's Edition features: Original commissioned artwork rooted in Catholic Tradition Top-of-the-line typesetting to maximize readability Custom Ascension Serif typeface to support extended prayer Durable Smyth-sewn binding and premium materials crafted for daily use Availability in multiple formats to support individual prayer needs Available in both Standard and Large Print formats, with three cover materials to choose from, The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition may be preordered as individual volumes or as the complete four-volume bundle. Volume II will begin shipping on January 1, 2027, in time for use beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027. Experience the beauty of the Church's daily prayer in an edition thoughtfully crafted to support prayer for generations. Preorder The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition at www.AscensionPress.com/Abiding.   Timestamps: 00:00 Ascension 01:32 Intro 02:19 Welcome 07:06 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 08:32 Becoming an Icon of God 10:21 Self Protection in Relationships 12:40 Adult Friendships Must Be Cultivated 15:11 One Person Cannot Satisfy All Our Desires 19:55 Christian Community is a Cluster of Friendships 23:39 The Temptation to Possess 27:42 Closing Prayer

Send us Fan MailMISIDENTIFIEDDr. Jessica FernandezSunday, July 5, 2026What if the labels you've accepted aren't the labels God has given you? When God met Moses at the burning bush, everyone had an opinion about who Moses was. Egypt, Israel, Pharaoh, and even Moses himself. Yet, God saw something completely different.In this message, we'll discover that God evaluates us differently than the world does. While others focus on our past, God sees our purpose. While others see our limitations, God sees His possibilities. And while others see what we've been, God sees what we can become through Him. Everybody saw a shepherd. God saw a deliverer.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What label have you received from others, your past, or your own thoughts that has been hard to shake? How has that label affected the way you see yourself?2. Moses asked, “Who am I?” when God called him. Where do you currently feel unqualified, disqualified, or unsure of your place in God's purpose?3. What is the difference between something that happened to you and the identity you have formed from it? Can you identify a lie you may have believed because of a painful experience?4. God answered Moses' insecurity with, “I will be with you.” How does God's presence change the way we understand our identity, calling, and limitations?5. Whose voice has had the most authority in shaping how you see yourself: your past, other people, your own thoughts, or God? What would it look like this week to let God's voice become louder?

If Jesus Sat Down, Why Are You Still Trying So Hard? The Old Testament priests never sat down because the work was never done. Jesus sat down because it was. In this message from Hebrews 10, Andrew Farley exposes the exhausting cycle of repeat confession, progressive forgiveness, and guilt-driven religion; and replaces it with the scandalous truth of the New Covenant. Your sins aren't covered. They're removed. You're not partly sanctified. You're fully set apart. Once for all. Sit down and believe it. Discussion Questions for Hebrews 10: Read verses 5–7. What do these verses reveal about the Father's heart and Jesus' willingness? Read verses 8–9. Where do Christians still mix the first covenant with the second, and why is that exhausting? Read verse 10. What changes when holiness (sanctification) is a once-for-all gift, not a lifelong achievement project? Read verses 11-12. What does standing vs. sitting represent here? Which are you doing? Why? Read verse 14. What arises within you when you hear that Jesus made you perfect forever? Objections? Celebration? Why? Read verse 15. How does this shape your view of the Holy Spirit's attitude toward you? Read verses 16–17. How does "sins remembered no more" change how you view yourself with God? Read verse 18. What modern "offerings" do people still bring today when forgiveness is already complete?

Stu H. Adult Education Director How we act toward our own brothers and sisters has eternal value and consequences because we are representatives of Christ.  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

Sermon by Fr. Bob Fabey6th Sunday of Ordinary Time"Hope is what you are chained to. Hope is what confines you. Hope is what keeps you from being free to worry and despair. Hope is the shackle on your ankle and around your wrist. What a beautiful prison…"Discussion Questions:How is what was happening in 1876 similar to what is happening today? Expeditions, the Telephone, Steam engines, wars, Disputed presidential elections, the MLB…How is the Jewish experience of promise and fulfillment similar to ours?How are we like Lady Liberty? (Chains and Torch)Do you agree with Vaclav Havel's quote - "Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out."In Romans 5, Paul makes the case for how we are to view our lives based on what God has done… “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and we[c] rejoice[d] in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”How have you experienced this to be true?What is one way you can live as a “prisoner of Hope”?“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” For hope to exist, there has to be darkness. For hope to be real, there has to be a prison. And we, in the prison.”-Desmond Tutu

This sermon explores the final night of Jesus' life, focusing on the Last Supper and the moments surrounding Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial. Jen emphasizes that Jesus, being fully God and fully man, experienced the deep pain of betrayal while knowing exactly what would happen. Despite this knowledge, Jesus chose all twelve disciples, including Judas, from the beginning of time. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond intellectual knowledge of the biblical narrative and truly enter into the emotional and spiritual reality of that night. Central to the message is Jesus' new commandment to love one another with sacrificial, unconditional love—given even in the midst of His own heartbreak. Jen emphasizes that this kind of love among believers is how the world will recognize Jesus' disciples. The sermon calls listeners to examine their own hearts for areas of betrayal, denial, pride, and fear, while remembering that Jesus continues to look at each person with the same deep love He had for His disciples.Read John 13:18-30; 1 John 4:19Jesus sat at that table knowing exactly who would betray Him, yet He served Judas anyway. He washed his feet. He broke bread with him. He looked at him with love. This is the scandalous nature of God's love—it doesn't wait for us to get it right. We love because He first loved us, even when we were still sinners, still betrayers, still deniers. The call to love one another isn't a suggestion for when people deserve it; it's a command for when it's hardest. Who in your life feels impossible to love right now? That person sitting across from you at work, that family member who hurt you, that fellow believer you disagree with—Jesus calls you to agape love. Not because they've earned it, but because He first loved you when you hadn't earned it either.Discussion Questions:-Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples, including Judas whom He knew would betray Him. What does this reveal about God's sovereignty and His willingness to work through human free will, even when it leads to painful outcomes?-The sermon describes how we can become so familiar with Bible stories that we read them like novels rather than experiencing them. How might we cultivate a practice of truly entering into Scripture rather than just reading it as information?-Jesus spoke about betrayal while sitting at the table with His betrayer, yet still looked at Judas with love. How does this challenge our understanding of loving those who hurt us or disagree with us deeply?-Peter was so convinced he would never deny Jesus that he could not hear Jesus's loving warning. How does pride in our own faithfulness or spiritual strength make us vulnerable to falling away in moments of testing?

Send us Fan MailTHE CHURCH AS A FORCE FOR TRANSFORMATIONDesert, Community, Project | Part 5Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 28, 2026What if the church was known less for what it opposed and more for who it loved? In the final message of our series, Desert, Community, Project, we'll explore God's vision for the church as a force for transformation in the world. Jesus called His followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world—not spectators, but difference-makers. We'll look at how ordinary people can become the soul of their community, why discipleship matters more than religious consumption, and what it means to join God in His work of healing, restoring, and renewing the world around us. If you've ever wondered what the church is supposed to be—or what your part in God's mission might look like—this message is for you. Join us this Sunday as we discover what happens when a church becomes deeply rooted in its community and impossible to explain apart from Jesus.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. The message opened with the story of a woman who turned her canceled wedding banquet into a celebration for the homeless. What stood out to you most about that story? How does it reflect God's heart for people? 2. Keith said, "We often become grace consumers rather than grace dispensers." What is the difference? In what ways are Christians tempted to focus on what the church can do for them rather than what God wants to do through them? 3. Discuss the phrase: "Christians are to the world what the soul is to the body." What do you think it means for believers to be "the soul of the community"? 4. Read John 17:15. Why is it often easier to withdraw from the world than engage it? What are some practical ways Christians can be "in the world but not of the world"? 5.  Read Matthew 5:13-16. What does it mean to be salt and light in today's culture? Which image speaks more powerfully to you personally—salt or light? Why?6. The message emphasized that the gospel is not only a proclamation but also a demonstration. How have you seen acts of compassion open doors for spiritual conversations? 7. Keith suggested that people often need several "positive bumps" with Christians before becoming open to faith. Who has provided those positive bumps in your life? How might you become one for someone else? 8. Discuss this statement: "The good stuff leads people to the God stuff." Do you agree? Why or why not? 9. Keith summarized the series this way:Be with JesusBecome like JesusDo what Jesus didWhich of those three resonates most strongly with you right now? Why? 10. What would it look like for Springcreek to become known as "the soul of the community"? What are some practical ways we can live out that vision together? 11. The message challenged us to ask, "What can I do to help?" Who might God be bringing into your life right now that needs encouragement, compassion, practical assistance, or friendship? Closing Challenge This week, look for one opportunity to be salt and light in a practical way. It may be a conversation, an act of service, a gift of generosity, or simply paying attention to someone who feels unseen. Come prepared next week to share what happened.

Welcome to Day 2896 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Released from Sheol, Reembodied in Glory: A Revolutionary Promise in the Ancient Near East. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2896 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2896 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled Released from Sheol, Reembodied in Glory: A Revolutionary Promise in the Ancient Near East. The promise of resurrection and glorified embodiment is so central to Judaism and Christianity that it's easy to overlook how unprecedented the concept was in the world of the Ancient Near East (ANE). In a cultural landscape dominated by bleak afterlife expectations, the biblical vision of a redeemed, reembodied existence shattered prevailing norms. The idea that humans might not only escape the grip of death but rise again in everlasting glory was nothing short of revolutionary. The first segment is: Death in the Ancient Near East: A Realm of Shadows. In the cosmologies of Mesopotamia, Canaan, and Egypt, the afterlife was not a place of joy or fulfillment. It was a necessary descent into Sheol, Irkalla, or the Egyptian Duat, a dim and dusty realm where all the dead, good or evil, shared the same fate. This was a land of no return, where the dead were stripped of vitality, feasted on dust, and faded into obscurity. In Mesopotamian myth, even kings and gods wept over this fate, and no one, not even the mighty, escaped. These views were not born out of nihilism but reflected a spiritual realism shared across the ancient world. Sheol and its counterparts like Irkalla and Duat were not metaphors. They were real destinations in the cosmology of the time, dreaded places where the dead existed as weakened, diminished shades. Life was fragile. Disease, war, and disaster struck without warning. The best a person could hope for was to retain a name among the living. Immortality was not life eternal, but legacy. The gods might live forever, but humans were destined for the shadowlands. The second segment is: Sheol in the Hebrew Bible: A Shared Inheritance. Early Hebrew thought shared many features with this ANE worldview. Sheol, as depicted in much of the Old Testament, was not a place of torment or reward but of silence and forgetfulness. Job lamented that the grave was a place where both the righteous and the wicked went. Psalmists cried out to God, not wanting to descend to Sheol where praise was no longer heard. What made Sheol especially terrifying was the possibility of not just existing in a diminished state, but being utterly destroyed. In the worldview of Israel and its neighbors, some spirits in Sheol could be devoured, consumed by greater powers such as the Rephaim or forgotten entirely. To be erased from memory was to lose all identity and hope. The dead could descend further into oblivion, where no legacy or relationship with the living or with God remained. In this view, Sheol was not a passive waiting area. It was a realm where final annihilation remained a threat. The third segment is: The Bosom of Abraham: Covenant Protection in the Realm of the Dead. Amid this grim expectation, later Jewish tradition introduced a dramatic contrast. The righteous were not abandoned to dissolution. Instead, they were gathered into what became known as the Bosom of Abraham. Far from being a metaphor, this designation marked out a region of Sheol reserved for those who belonged to the covenant. As seen in Luke 16, the faithful were carried by angels to a place of comfort and remembrance, not terror and erasure. This was not yet heaven, but it was a protected state. While others faded into silence or were at risk of destruction, those in the Bosom of Abraham were remembered, preserved, and awaited resurrection. It was a place of being known by God, a key distinction from the rest of the underworld. Even in Sheol, Yahweh made a distinction between those who were His and those who were not. This growing expectation set the stage for a greater hope, one not just of preservation, but of reversal. The fourth segment is: The Breakthrough: Resurrection and Embodied Hope. The first major crack in the prevailing view comes in Isaiah and Daniel, where we find explicit references to bodily resurrection: “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise.” These declarations were not metaphors. They were bold theological claims, ones that challenged the despair of the ancient world. No longer was Sheol the final destination. A day was coming when the faithful would be raised, not as disembodied spirits, but as reembodied beings, fully restored and transformed. The language hints at glory, justice, and joy, completely alien to the sorrowful tones of ANE afterlife texts. This was a radical theological move. The idea that the righteous would be bodily raised by Yahweh set Israel apart. The divine council rebelled, humanity fell, but God promised not just deliverance, but a glorified future beyond death. The concept did not develop in isolation. It was forged in contrast to the hopeless tomb-worlds of Israel's neighbors. The fifth segment is: Christianity: From Seed to Splendor. Christianity, rooted in Judaism, took this concept and revealed its full flowering. The Jewish hope of resurrection was never mere metaphor. It was a literal expectation of bodily restoration, rooted in prophetic texts like Daniel and Isaiah and affirmed in Second Temple writings, including the martyrdom accounts in 2 Maccabees. Christ's resurrection was not symbolic. It was the historic and physical defeat of death itself. For Paul, this event was not only proof of life after death, but the firstfruits of what all the faithful would experience. Christ's glorified body was a tangible preview of the embodied glory awaiting those who belong to Him. Whereas pagan religions occasionally flirted with ideas of apotheosis or immortality for heroes or emperors, the Christian claim was far more subversive. Every faithful believer, slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile, was destined to rise again in glorified embodiment. This was not mythic metaphor. It was cosmic revolution. The sixth segment is: Resurrection vs. Reincarnation or Spirit Survival Importantly, this vision differed from reincarnation, where the self dissolves or returns in new form, and from spirit survival, where a ghost or shade lingers. The biblical model insists on the restoration of the person, not merely their essence. The soul is not freed from the body. It is reunited with a perfected one. This was revolutionary not just in theology, but in anthropology. The human body mattered. The material world was not evil or illusory, as many surrounding philosophies taught. It was made good and would be remade. In Conclusion. In a world where death was final, where the grave was silent, and where the gods offered no escape, the biblical vision of resurrection was not merely hopeful. It was defiant. It redefined justice, identity, and destiny. No longer would the dead sleep forever. No longer would dust be the final word. From the ashes of Sheol, the faithful would rise, not as ghosts, but as glorified, embodied, eternal beings in communion with their Creator. To explore this subject further, please consider these Discussion Questions. How did Ancient Near Eastern views of the afterlife shape the early Israelite understanding of Sheol, and in what ways did Israel's theology begin to diverge? What does Yahweh's power over Sheol, as depicted in the Hebrew Bible, reveal about His nature compared to the gods of neighboring cultures? Why was the concept of bodily resurrection considered radical in the context of ANE beliefs about death and the afterlife? How does the promise of reembodiment challenge modern views that separate spiritual salvation from the physical world? In what ways does the Christian claim of universal resurrection and glorified embodiment subvert ancient notions of divine privilege and human limitation? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn Released from Sheol, Reembodied in Glory:...

When one spouse travels regularly for work, it puts unique pressure on a marriage. From loneliness and temptation to resentment and drift, there are lots of potential issues it can create. In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott Kedersha get honest about what it really takes to keep a marriage thriving when work keeps pulling you apart.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- If one of you travels regularly for work, how well have you built communication rhythms that actually work for both of you — not just the one traveling?- Scott talked about picking up the phone even when he'd rather not. Where in your marriage right now are you letting your own preference win over what your spouse needs?- What temptations are most likely to come up for you specifically when you're isolated — and have you named those out loud to anyone?- Scott said distance will exasperate any existing unhealth in a marriage, not heal it. Before taking or keeping a job that requires heavy travel, how honest are you being about the current state of your marriage?- If you are the spouse who stays home: does your traveling spouse know specifically what would help you feel most supported before they leave and while they're gone?- When your spouse returns from a trip, what does re-entry look like in your home — and is there anything you could do to make that transition healthier?- Scott gave a shout-out to Kristen for holding things down at home. When did you last genuinely thank your spouse for their specific role in your marriage — whether they travel or stay home?

MOVING TOWARDS OWNERSHIP When leaders own the mission, the mission multiplies. "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV) The next time you pull into a McDonald's, look for the sign underneath those golden arches: "Billions and Billions Served" This is not clever marketing, it is the celebration of a culture of multiplication. When Ray Kroc bought into the McDonald brothers in 1954, he saw more than a fast food restaurant. He saw something ready to be multiplied. Kroc realized the genius of McDonald's was not just the product. It was their process. He knew that if he could take what was working in one location and make it repeatable, then growth would no longer be tied to one location or even a single owner. So in 1955, he pioneered the franchise model and built a system that allowed others to carry the mission. Today there are over 40,000 locations around the world. But Ray Kroc did not build those 40,000 restaurants. He raised people who thought like him. And because of that, the mission no longer depended on him. He built a culture of ownership that built 40,000 restaurants without him. Take that thought into the Kingdom. There are billions and billions waiting to be served, and the mission of the church is to reach every one of them. We will never reach those multitudes without moving toward multiplication. If Grace World is going to become all God has called us to be, a church that awakens hearts, connects in community, trains for purpose, and sends into fullness, then we have to make a shift. What we produce is good. The process works. But moving from a great church to a multiplying church requires more than better systems and stronger strategies. It requires more people owning the mission. Because when leaders own the mission, the mission multiplies. 1. MISSING THE MARK ON MULTIPLICATION Think about what a healthy church does in a typical week. We gather to worship. We go deep into God's Word. We connect in groups and ministries. We share the life of Christ with people who have yet to discover it. And yet a church can do all of those things really well and still miss the mark on multiplication. Multiplication was not a suggestion Jesus added at the end of His ministry. It was built into the DNA of the church from the beginning as a non-negotiable. He didn't send His disciples out to build crowds. He sent them out to make disciples. We are only here today because every generation before us had someone who owned that mission personally. Someone who didn't just attend. Someone who reproduced. Here is where it breaks down. There is a difference between working at McDonald's and owning a franchise. McDonald's employs thousands of people, many of them working their very first job. They are learning how to show up, follow a system, and be part of something larger than themselves. But that is not ownership. And you can see the difference immediately. Not every location feels the same. Not every team carries the culture the same way. The mission is present, but the ownership is inconsistent. Inconsistent ownership produces inconsistent results. We met Mary at our local McDonald's. She hosted us the moment we walked through the door. She made us feel welcomed. It stopped feeling like fast food. It felt like a dining experience. I would have assumed she owned the place if I didn't know better. She made us want to come back. Nobody told her to do that. She just did. Somewhere along the way, she stopped acting like an employee and started acting like an owner. That is the difference ownership makes. Our church does not have a participation problem. Our teams are full of people who show up and serve every week. But are they owners? Are they watching the mission take place from the sidelines or are they owning it? That's the difference between a church that grows and one that multiplies! 2. OWNING MULTIPLICATION Jesus didn't just give us a mission. He gave us the model. He was the first to... • AWAKEN: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17, ESV) • CONNECT: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19, ESV) • TRAIN: "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." (John 13:14, ESV) • SEND: "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15, ESV) No, we did not invent the mission. We just inherited it! We also inherited the responsibility to own it the same way He did. Here is the deal. You can admire a mission. You can agree with a mission. You can show up for a mission, serve faithfully inside it, give generously to it, and still never own it. Admiration is not ownership. Agreement is not ownership. Ownership is when you take personal responsibility for what happens next. Last week at Easter we had 1,350 people on campus. Record attendance. And that number matters. But the story is always deeper than the crowd. It lives in the individual moments most people never see. Charlotte served that morning on the New Here team. She met a single mother with two kids who walked through our doors alone. Charlotte helped her find her way, got her kids checked in, and made her feel like she belonged. But she didn't stop there. She texted her that week to follow up. That mom shared that she was looking for a family. She came back this past Sunday. Charlotte greeted her again. And then watched her respond to the altar for salvation, met her at the altar to pray with her, then spent time with her afterward. That is owning the mission. That wasn't a pastor. That was a member of our church family who saw a moment and refused to let it pass. She didn't wait for someone else to follow up. She didn't assume the system would handle it. She took personal responsibility. And eternity was impacted because she did. That is what multiplication looks like at ground level. One person who owned it so completely that another person's life was permanently changed. "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV) Charlotte didn't just serve that morning. She reproduced the mission into someone who may now do the same for someone else. That is how it multiplies. One owner at a time. 3. MULTIPLICATION HAS A TIPPING POINT What percentage of fully invested leaders who truly own the mission does it take to move a church from growth into multiplication? Less than you think. Malcolm Gladwell explored this question in The Tipping Point. His central point was this. There is a moment in any movement where small, consistent shifts reach critical mass and everything changes. What looked like slow progress becomes unstoppable momentum almost overnight. And it does not require everyone. His research pointed to predictable thresholds. Ten to fifteen percent ownership starts influence. Twenty to twenty-five percent creates momentum. Thirty to forty percent becomes the culture. Fifty percent or more becomes unstoppable. That means if somewhere between twenty and thirty percent of our leaders and members truly own the mission, we cross into multiplication. We are not there yet. But we are close. Getting fully there requires two things from every leader in this room. First, every leader must recognize they are an owner of the mission. ACTS is not just what Grace World does as a church. It is what every leader does as an individual. We awaken new people. We connect them to the mission. We train them in how to live it. We send them into it. We do not just attend this church. We multiply it. We multiply Charlottes. Second, every leader must own the multiplication of other leaders. It is not enough to own the mission yourself. Ownership reproduces ownership. The goal is not to be a great owner. The goal is to raise one. I believe we are close to the tipping point. But we will not reach it accidentally. Each of us has to do more than admire what God is building. We have to own it. The Challenge I am not asking you to take on more responsibility, I am asking you to take on more ownership. This isn't Daniel and Jenna's church. It's your church. This isn't Pastor Daniel's vision. It's our vision. This isn't the responsibility of someone else, it's our responsibility. Before you leave today, answer these questions. With actual names. Who am I developing? Who am I preparing to deploy? If you can answer those questions with real names, you are an owner. Grace World will not multiply because the vision is compelling. It will multiply because leaders in this room decided to take personal responsibility for reproducing it. One investment at a time. That is how Jesus built it. That is how we build it. When leaders own the mission, the mission multiplies.. Discussion Questions 1. Is there a difference between how you serve the mission and how you own it? What does that gap look like practically? 2. Where in your ministry is growth happening but reproduction is not? What would it take to close that gap? 3. Who is one person in your sphere of influence you could begin intentionally developing in the next thirty days?

Big Idea: The pool looks perfect to a restless frog. I. Temptation is vicious, yet God's grace is always victorious.1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.II. The struggle starts in a restless heart.Galatians 5:16-17 I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don't do what you want.III. Run to Jesus with your weakness.2 Corinthians 12:9-10But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.IV.    You are never abandoned.Zechariah 4:6 So he answered me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord of Armies.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to heal my broken heart today.Become: I will rely on Jesus for power over my struggles this week.Be Sent: I will share about my struggles with someone this week.Discussion Questions: How easy is it for you to share your struggles with others?What does it look like to embrace your weaknesses so that Jesus can give you his strength?When is the last time you felt helpless against temptation?Do you doubt your faith when you feel overwhelmed by temptation?Did you make some decisions based on “might” and “power” this week?Who do you know who needs Jesus to free them from sin?Pray for them by name this week.

What If Jesus Already Took It All Away? What if forgiveness isn't a payment plan? Religion thrives on repeat performances, but the Gospel announces, "Paid in full." Discover why Christ's better blood, better sacrifice, and better covenant mean your sins aren't merely covered… they're taken away once and for all! Discussion Questions for Hebrews 9-10: What does Hebrews mean when it says Jesus offered a "better sacrifice"? Better than what, and why does that matter? Why is it important that Jesus did not offer Himself repeatedly, but "once for all"? What is the difference between sin being temporarily covered and sin being completely taken away? How does this change the way we relate to God? Why could the blood of bulls and goats remind people of sin but never remove sin? Hebrews 10:2 says OT worshipers, if "once cleansed," would have no longer had consciousness of sins. What does this tell us about what we DO have in Christ today? Use Hebrews 10:2 to react to this lie: Christians are forgiven eternally but still need daily cleansing. What does it mean that Jesus "takes away the first in order to establish the second"? Why couldn't the old covenant remain alongside the new? Hebrews 10:10 says, "we have been sanctified…once for all." How does this contradict a lot of teaching on "progressive sanctification" today? React to this statement: Jesus will return without reference to our sins and we can eagerly await Him!

Aaron Day, Speaking Pastor - Crosswater Church GOD calls HIS people to holiness in every area—including our sexual expression—because HIS love refuses to leave us in patterns that dishonor HIS design and glory. HE does so through loving discipline; for HIS glory and our good. Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect  Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/first-corinthians-discussion-questions

This sermon explores Jesus' radical act of washing the disciples' feet in the Upper Room as a demonstration of true greatness and the path to a flourishing life. Challenging cultural assumptions that equate upward mobility with success and fulfillment, the message reveals that Jesus modeled downward mobility—moving from the highest position of divine authority to the lowest position of servant. The sermon emphasizes that genuine blessing and deep soul-level joy come not from climbing over others to reach the top, but from humbling ourselves to serve others, even those who betray us. This posture of servanthood is presented as the uniform of every Jesus follower and the key to experiencing the abundant, flourishing life Christ promises.Read John 13:6-9; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10Peter's resistance to having his feet washed reveals a profound truth: sometimes it's harder to receive than to give. American culture celebrates self-sufficiency, but the Kingdom operates differently. Admitting we need help, allowing others to serve us, and being vulnerable about our weaknesses requires tremendous courage. Yet Jesus says if we won't let Him wash us, we have no part with Him. Salvation itself is an act of receiving what we cannot earn. Today, consider where pride might be blocking your blessing. Are you resisting community because you don't want to appear weak? Are you refusing help because you want to maintain control? True strength is found in vulnerability. Let someone wash your feet today—metaphorically or literally—by admitting you need prayer, help, or support.Discussion Questions:-How does Jesus' movement from highest authority to lowest position challenge our culture's definition of success and upward mobility?-Why is it sometimes harder to be served than to serve, and what does our resistance to receiving help reveal about our hearts?-How can we distinguish between serving others out of genuine humility versus serving to be recognized as the greatest servant?-What would it look like for you to put on the uniform of a servant this week in your workplace, school, family, or neighborhood?

Fruit of the Root, 4 of 8 from June 29, 2026 “Jesus takes all the time He needs to grow all the life He plans.” Galatians 5 & James 5 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThe sermon teaches that patience is a fruit of the Spirit that grows as we surrender control to Jesus, trust His timing, and see ourselves as part of God's bigger story rather than the center of our own. Using the image of a farmer waiting for harvest, it calls believers to be unoffendable, endure hardship, and wait with others in community, confident that God is working even when results are not immediate.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

In this bonus episode, Sister Catherine is joined by His Excellency, Most Reverend Giles Butler, OFM DD, as they answer the June Family Discussion Question in the Growing in Holiness Newsletter! And we would love to hear from our listeners! Would you rather be a travel companion to St. Peter or to St. Paul? You can comment on our YouTube Channel or email us at aimhigher.podcast@gmail.com

From GLP-1s to Botox to testosterone therapy, body-altering decisions are more normalized than ever, but what does it actually look like to process those decisions as a married couple through a Biblical lens? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Andrew tackle the theology behind how we think about our bodies and why those decisions are never just about you.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- When it comes to decisions about your body — diet, supplements, cosmetic procedures, medical interventions — do you tend to make those decisions together or independently? Why?- Andrew mentioned that working out became an idol for him at one point. Are there any areas of health or appearance where you sense you might be seeking something beyond physical wellbeing?- Gabrielle shared that she had gotten into careless patterns with her appearance without thinking about why. Are there any habits you have around your body or appearance that you've never really examined?- Derek mentioned that influences around us constantly try to make us discontent with how we look. Who or what are you allowing to shape how you feel about your body — and is it trustworthy?- Is there any area of your body or health that feels like an "off-limits" topic in your marriage — something you wouldn't want your spouse to weigh in on? What might that be telling you?- Cooper wrote scriptures in the shower for Gabrielle during a season of body insecurity. How are you actively speaking truth over your spouse in the way they feel about themselves?

Send us Fan MailPREPARING FOR WHAT'S NEXTDesert, Community, Project | Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 21, 2026Have you ever had a dream that seemed to slip through your fingers? Maybe it was a calling, a relationship, a ministry, a career, or simply the life you thought you would have by now. What do you do when the dream is delayed? When the road is filled with detours, disappointments, opposition, and unanswered questions? This Sunday, we'll look at the life of Joseph and discover how God prepares us for what comes next. What if the setbacks you're experiencing aren't obstacles to God's plan—but part of God's preparation for it?DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1.  Pastor Keith said, "The greatest reward for our service is not what I get from it but what I become by it." What do you think he means by that? Have you ever experienced service changing you as much as it helped someone else? 2.  The dream of Springcreek Church began when Pastor Keith realized his Venezuelan friends felt more welcomed by him than by the church he attended. Have you ever had an experience that changed the way you saw people, church, or ministry? 3.  Joseph received a dream from God when he was young, but he was not yet ready for it. Why do you think God often gives us a vision of the future before He fully prepares us for it? 4.  Which of the six "enemies that stalk our dreams" resonated most with you?• Our own immaturity or lack of wisdom• Opposition from others• Unexpected detours• Attractive counterfeits• Entanglement with other people's dreams• Getting ahead of GodWhy did that particular enemy stand out to you? 5.  The message emphasized that "God doesn't remove the dream; He refines the dreamer." Looking back over your life, can you identify ways God used delays, disappointments, or setbacks to shape your character? 6.  Have you ever experienced what seemed like a detour in life that later turned out to be part of God's preparation? Share your story. 7.  Joseph's life reminds us that God is often doing something in us before He does something through us. How does that challenge the way we usually think about success and achievement? 8.  Pastor Keith said, "A large church can be built around charisma. A successful church can be built around strategy. But a transformational church has to be built around formation." What do you think distinguishes a transformational church from a merely successful church? 9.  Joseph eventually realized that his dream was never really about him—it was about "the saving of many lives." How can we tell when our dreams have become more about ourselves than about God's purposes? 10.  The message ended by highlighting ways God has used Springcreek to impact people locally and globally. What examples have you personally seen of God working through this church to transform lives? 11.  As we prepare for next week's message, what do you believe God may want to do in and through Springcreek in the years ahead? What role might God be calling you to play in that future? 12.  Joseph never let go of God, even when he didn't understand what God was doing. Is there an area of your life right now where you need to trust God's process rather than demand immediate answers? How can the group pray for you?

Fear focuses on what can't be done and what remains unknown. Daniel, as Pastor Ryan Akers points out, responds in this week's passage (Daniel 2) to an otherwise dangerous situation with wisdom and discretion. His confidence is anchored in the King of all kings, not dictated by his circumstances. Because he knows this, Daniel is all the more capable of pointing people to God, not himself. Matthew 5 says we are the light of the world, so how do we become people who refuse to hide the light and instead boldly shine for Jesus?Click here for the Message Notes.Click here for Discussion Questions for this episode.Find us on:YouTube: YouTube.com/TheHarborInstagram: Instagram.com/TheHarbor_lifeFacebook: Facebook.com/TheHarbordotlifeWebsite: https://www.TheHarbor.lifeWatch/listen on The Harbor AppNew episode every week!

Did You Put the Veil Back Up? Discussion Questions for Hebrews 9: Hebrews 9 says the old covenant had barriers, veils, priests, repeated sacrifices, and limited access. Where do you still tend to live as though there is a barrier between you and God? What would change if you believed Christ has brought you all the way in? The priests entered the outer room continually, but the Holy of Holies was entered only once a year by the high priest. How does this contrast help you appreciate your daily, personal access to God through Jesus? Do you relate to God freely, or do you still feel like you need to "wait outside"? Verse 12 says Jesus entered the holy place "once for all" and obtained "eternal redemption." What does "once for all" do to the idea that you need to keep proving yourself, re-earning forgiveness, or getting spiritually "re-cleansed"? Verse 14 says the blood of Christ cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. What are some "dead works" believers today might still rely on to feel okay with God? How is serving God different when it comes from a cleansed conscience instead of a guilty one? Jesus is called the mediator of a new covenant. What does it mean to you that your relationship with God is not determined ("mediated") by your performance, your consistency, or your spiritual résumé but by Jesus Himself? Hebrews 9 connects forgiveness with blood, sacrifice, and covenant. Why is it important that forgiveness is not God "looking the other way," but God fully dealing with sin through Christ? How does that make forgiveness feel more secure? Where do you need to stop standing outside the veil and start living like someone who is always inside the Holy of Holies?

Discussion QuestionsSwedish 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 Ministries Pastor Unpacking Paul's fatherly heart for the church in 1 Corinthians 4:6-21, we are challenged to choose between the pride of the world and the humility of the cross. Through critical diagnostic questions, we will evaluate our allegiances, step away from personal comfort, and embrace true biblical discipleship. Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect  Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/first-corinthians-discussion-questions  

This sermon opens a summer series on John 13-17, known as the Upper Room Discourse, focusing on Jesus's final teachings to His disciples before the crucifixion. The central message emphasizes that our truest identity is being "the beloved of God." Rather than living to earn God's love, believers are called to live from the security of already being perfectly and completely loved by their Heavenly Father. The sermon challenges listeners to identify themselves as John did—as "the disciple whom Jesus loved"—and to reject the lies of shame, condemnation, and performance-based religion. Jesus's sacrificial love on the cross demonstrates the ultimate expression of this complete, selfless love that defines who we are as His children.Read John 13:1-3; 1 John 3:16Jesus knew His hour had come, yet His focus remained on loving His disciples "to the end"—completely and perfectly. This wasn't just chronological love; it was ultimate, sacrificial love demonstrated through the cross. John identified himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," not from arrogance, but from understanding his truest identity. Today, consider how you define yourself. Do you lead with your failures, accomplishments, or roles? Or do you embrace your deepest truth—that you are God's beloved? Write your name followed by "the beloved" and let this identity sink into your soul. You are not loved because of what you do; you are loved because of whose you are. What keeps you from fully accepting your identity as God's beloved?Discussion Questions:-In what ways do you find yourself living 'for' God's love rather than 'from' God's love, and what would it look like to shift that perspective?-How does proximity to Jesus through religious activity differ from intimacy with Jesus, and where do you see this distinction in your own spiritual life?-What does it reveal about Jesus that he chose to spend his final moments before the cross teaching his disciples about love rather than strategy or doctrine?-In what ways do you project your earthly relationships, especially with parents or authority figures, onto your understanding of God's love for you?

This sermon opens a summer series on John 13-17, known as the Upper Room Discourse, focusing on Jesus's final teachings to His disciples before the crucifixion. The central message emphasizes that our truest identity is being "the beloved of God." Rather than living to earn God's love, believers are called to live from the security of already being perfectly and completely loved by their Heavenly Father. The sermon challenges listeners to identify themselves as John did—as "the disciple whom Jesus loved"—and to reject the lies of shame, condemnation, and performance-based religion. Jesus's sacrificial love on the cross demonstrates the ultimate expression of this complete, selfless love that defines who we are as His children.Read John 13:1-3; 1 John 3:16Jesus knew His hour had come, yet His focus remained on loving His disciples "to the end"—completely and perfectly. This wasn't just chronological love; it was ultimate, sacrificial love demonstrated through the cross. John identified himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," not from arrogance, but from understanding his truest identity. Today, consider how you define yourself. Do you lead with your failures, accomplishments, or roles? Or do you embrace your deepest truth—that you are God's beloved? Write your name followed by "the beloved" and let this identity sink into your soul. You are not loved because of what you do; you are loved because of whose you are. What keeps you from fully accepting your identity as God's beloved?Discussion Questions:-In what ways do you find yourself living 'for' God's love rather than 'from' God's love, and what would it look like to shift that perspective?-How does proximity to Jesus through religious activity differ from intimacy with Jesus, and where do you see this distinction in your own spiritual life?-What does it reveal about Jesus that he chose to spend his final moments before the cross teaching his disciples about love rather than strategy or doctrine?-In what ways do you project your earthly relationships, especially with parents or authority figures, onto your understanding of God's love for you?

What if the most overlooked passage in Romans holds one of its most powerful truths? Romans 16 reads like a simple list of names—26 people we've never heard of, immortalized in Scripture for reasons that aren't immediately clear. But when we dig deeper, we discover something profound: these aren't just credits at the end of a movie. These are real people with real lives, real struggles, and real faith that changed the world. From Phoebe, entrusted with carrying the precious letter of Romans across dangerous terrain, to Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives and opened their home for the church in hostile Rome, to Rufus, whose father Simon carried Jesus' cross—each name tells a story of sacrifice, diversity, and unity in Christ. What emerges is a beautiful picture of the early church: slaves teaching masters, women serving as deacons, Jews and Gentiles working side by side, wealthy and poor united in purpose. The central message challenges us today: Are we building the same kind of diverse, sacrificial, loving community? Would we risk our homes, our comfort, our status for the gospel? And most importantly, do we recognize that God knows each of us by name, just as intimately as He knew these 26 saints? This passage reminds us that God is both infinitely big—breathing out stars—and intimately personal, numbering the hairs on our heads and calling us each by name.**Detailed Notes**- **All Scripture Matters** – 2 Tim. 3:16–17   - All Scripture is God‑breathed and profitable, even “just a list of names” in Romans 16.   - The Spirit intentionally preserved these 26 names to teach us.- **Phoebe (Rom. 16:1–2)**   - Sister, servant (diakonos / deacon), patron (financial supporter).   - Likely carried the only copy of Romans from Corinth to Rome—dangerous, costly, yet faithful.   - Deacons = lead servants; trusted with people, money, and needs.- **Priscilla & Aquila (16:3–5; Acts 18; 2 Tim. 4:19)**   - Fellow workers; risked their necks for Paul; hosted a church in their home.   - Forced out of Rome; everywhere they went, they planted churches.   - Viewed exile and hardship as mission, not punishment.   - Tentmaking friendship with Paul likely began through ordinary vocational contact.   - Lifelong, harmonious partners in ministry.- **Epaenetus (16:5)**   - First convert in Asia; Paul still knows his name and story.   - Firstfruits of a Gentile harvest.- **Andronicus & Junia (16:7)**   - Kinsmen, fellow prisoners, in Christ before Paul, well known among the apostles.   - Likely family Paul once persecuted; powerful testimony of grace and reconciliation.   - Example of costly obedience (imprisonment, suffering).- **Ampliatus & Others (16:8ff)**   - Likely former slave who rose to church leadership.   - Early church mixed slave/free, male/female, Jew/Greek, rich/poor—fulfilling Gal. 3:28.   - Masters sometimes sat under teaching of their slaves; the kingdom inverts status.- **Rufus & His Mother (16:13; Mark 15:21)**   - Probably the son of Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus' cross.   - Simon's forced interruption became his family's salvation story.   - Rufus' mother became like a mother to Paul.- **Big Themes from the Names**   - Real people, real costs, real love, real partnership.   - Church as family: greeting, thanking, remembering, honoring.   - Diversity and unity under Christ, not human categories.- **God Knows Your Name (Luke 19:1–10 & Survey of Scripture)**   - Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name; salvation comes to his house.   - God calls individuals by name across Scripture (Adam, Noah, Moses, David, Lazarus, Saul, etc.).   - The Creator who names the stars also numbers the hairs on our heads.   - He has not abandoned or forgotten us; He is personal and near.---**Practical Applications**1. **See Yourself as a “Name” God Knows**    - Pray personally: “Lord, thank You that You know me and my situation.”2. **Embrace Servant Leadership**    - Look for ways to be a “Phoebe” or a deacon‑hearted servant this week—meet a practical need.3. **Open Your Home and Life**    - Consider how your home/resources can serve the kingdom, not just comfort.4. **Pursue Gospel Friendships**    - Initiate one new conversation at church; your “tentmaking” connection may become lifelong partnership.5. **Reject Status & Division**    - Examine prejudice (race, class, gender, education). Repent and intentionally honor someone different from you.---**Discussion Questions**1. Which person in Romans 16 stood out to you most and why?  2. How does knowing that God preserved these “hidden” names affect how you see unnoticed service in the church?  3. Where might God be inviting you to turn a hardship or “exile” into a mission opportunity?  4. In what concrete ways can your home or job become a platform for ministry, like Priscilla and Aquila?  5. How have you personally experienced God's “He knows my name” care?  6. What divisions or hierarchies do you see creeping into the church today, and how can we resist them?

This week, we continue our series chatting about the best 25 films of the 21st century (so far). Our 17th film of the list is Jordan Peele's 2017 masterpiece: Get Out. Then we talk briefly about Scott's favorite show of the year, Widow's Bay!Note: Matt had some audio issues this episode that resulted in him sounding pretty tinny. Should be fixed next episode. 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!We'll be off next week, but back in 2 weeks to chat about movie #18: Knives OutSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/doofmediaFollow us on Twitter: @doofmediaSee all of our podcasts and more at doofmedia.com!Time Stamps:2:00 - Get Out58:59 - Widow's Bay (No Spoilers)1:10:27 - Discussion Question

Welcome to Day 2886 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Problem of Evil: Free Will, Imagership, and The Divine Design Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2886 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2886 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: FREE WILL, IMAGERSHIP, AND THE DIVINE DESIGN. Though humanity is gifted with free will, we are not omniscient. This limitation creates a fragile balance. We are moral agents with the ability to act, but we often do so without full knowledge of the consequences. This gap between intention and outcome is fertile ground for evil to grow. Some evil is the result of direct rebellion, but much of it emerges from ignorance, misjudgment, or unintended consequences. Yahweh alone possesses omniscience. If humans knew all outcomes in advance, their choices would not reflect genuine trust or faith. The decision to follow Yahweh, even with limited knowledge, is a demonstration of allegiance, one that mirrors the loyalty He desires from His divine family as well. The first segment is: THE DIVINE REBELLION: WHEN SPIRITUAL IMAGERS TURNED. The problem of evil is not limited to humanity. Scripture reveals that spiritual beings, members of Yahweh's heavenly host, also rebelled. These divine imagers, given authority over the nations (Deuteronomy 32 verses eight and nine and Psalm 82), turned from their mandate and led humanity into darkness. Some, like the sons of God in Genesis 6, crossed boundaries and corrupted creation itself. Others accepted worship and manipulated entire cultures into idolatry, violence, and occult practices. These rebellious elohim introduced a different kind of evil, ideological and systemic. They corrupted truth, promoted false gods, and weaponized spiritual influence. Humanity's rebellion was inflamed by their lies. The result was a world fragmented, oppressed, and bound to powers that were never meant to rule. To restrain the damage these beings caused, Yahweh gave Israel the Torah. The Law was not just a set of moral rules. It was a divine firewall. Its rituals, boundaries, and covenant structure created space for holiness and identity amid spiritual chaos. Among the most profound of these rituals was the Day of Atonement, where two goats were chosen: one sacrificed to cleanse the people, and the other sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying the sins of the nation back to Azazel, a name associated with the wilderness-dwelling rebels. This was not superstition. It was spiritual warfare through sacred practice. The Law showed that Yahweh was not passive in the face of evil. He acted decisively to reclaim His people and mitigate the influence of the divine traitors until the fullness of His plan could be revealed in the Messiah. The second segment is: WHY YAHWEH ALLOWED THIS SYSTEM. The presence of evil in creation is not a sign that Yahweh lost control. Rather, it underscores how seriously He takes relationships. He is not interested in programmed obedience. He desires a family, both human and divine, who freely love Him. The alternative would be a world without evil but also without relationship, without love, without the ability to choose the good. The biblical story is filled with the tension between human freedom and divine sovereignty. This tension is not a flaw. It is the setting in which loyalty, repentance, and transformation become meaningful. Yahweh has allowed evil for a time, knowing that through it, those who choose Him do so authentically. The third segment is: EVIL, SOVEREIGNTY, AND THE HIGH STAKES OF AGENCY. Evil exists not because God is weak, but because He values freedom. His sovereignty is not undermined by our agency. It is demonstrated by His willingness to allow it and still accomplish His purposes. From Eden to the Cross to the final judgment, Scripture presents a God who allows rebellion, intervenes to redeem, and ultimately restores. The reality of evil magnifies the seriousness of the decisions we make. We are not passive recipients of fate but active participants in a divine drama. Every moral decision reflects our allegiance. We were created to image Yahweh in how we steward creation, treat others, and respond to evil with courage, righteousness, and hope. In CONCLUSION: There is A COSMIC STRUGGLE, A DIVINE INVITATION. The existence of evil should not cause despair. Instead, it reminds us of the stakes involved in being made in Yahweh's image. It reminds us that we live in a story where freedom is real, decisions matter, and redemption is possible. Evil is not the final word. Yahweh is not surprised by rebellion, and His plan has always included its defeat. Through the Messiah, humanity is invited into a restored relationship, empowered to reflect the goodness of God even in the presence of darkness. The struggle against evil is the arena in which imagers of God are tested, shaped, and revealed. To explore this in further details, consider these DISCUSSION QUESTIONS. Why is free will necessary for genuine love and relationships? How does the concept of humans as imagers of Yahweh affect how we understand moral responsibility? What are some examples where limited knowledge contributes to the existence of evil? What role did the rebellion of spiritual beings play in the expansion of evil on Earth? How did the Torah, and especially the scapegoat ritual, help Israel resist the influence of the rebellious elohim? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn When Myth Remembers: The Case for the Supernatural in History. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of  ‘Wisdom-Trek,  Creating a Legacy.'                          Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly,   I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always:                      Liv Abundantly,      Love Unconditionally,              Listen Intentionally,            Learn Continuously,              Lend to others Generously,                 Lead with Integrity,                Leave a Living Legacy Each Day,                I am Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to,   “Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy your journey, and create a great day, every day!  Join me next time for more daily wisdom!

Summer brings more snacks, more messes, and more opportunities to teach our kids valuable life skills! Today Karen and Emily are talking about why building a strong work ethic starts at home and why moms should avoid overfunctioning for their children, plus Karen gives practical ideas to teach age-appropriate responsibility. We hope this conversation will encourage you to play the long game this summer as you prepare your kids for real life!Episode Recap:You don't have to be the one cleaning all the messes this summer (1:50)Helping around the house instills confidence in kids (3:15)We want to raise contributors, not consumers (5:00)Teach your children to go the extra mile (8:10)What are good kids' chores at each stage of development? (12:00)How do you handle kids who push back on doing chores? (18:50)Scripture:Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."Discussion Questions: How were chores and household responsibilities handled in your home growing up? Are you mimicking that environment or handling the workload differently in your own home? Are there areas where you might be "over-functioning" for your children? What is one responsibility you could begin transferring to them this summer?Which age-appropriate chore or life skill would be most beneficial for your child to learn right now? What would the training phase look like?Resources:Register for the SOAR Conference today. Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderWant More of This Conversation?During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily get real about how chores work in Emily's houses and Karen demonstrates how to fold a fitted sheet! Don't sleep on becoming an Insider - learn today! Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Addiction doesn't stay self-contained — especially in a marriage. In this honest and pastorally rich conversation, Derek, Gabrielle, and John Elmore talk about how to recognize addiction, what it does to a marriage, and what courageous, biblical steps actually look like for both the addict and the spouse who loves them.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- John described the difference between being "enslaved" to something versus "occasionally enticed" by it. Using that framework, is there anything in your life right now that feels more like enslavement than struggle?- John mentioned several "Ds" of addiction: duration, depth, deceit, destruction, defensiveness, dependency. Are any of those present in your life or your marriage in ways worth naming?- Gabrielle shared that when asked to give up Diet Coke for a year, her reaction surprised her. Is there anything in your life where the thought of giving it up produces a stronger reaction than you'd expect?- John said that "struggling" looks like confessing, feeling convicted, and moving toward accountability — while addiction looks like enjoyment despite destruction. Which of those better describes your relationship with your hardest habit?- If your spouse gently raised a concern about something you're running to, how would you honestly respond — and what might that response reveal?- For the spouse walking alongside an addict: have you carried this alone, or have you brought others in? Who could you call this week?RESOURCES- Freedom Starts Today by John Elmore

Tim delivers a passionate message focused on John 13:34–35. He begins by introducing the biblical context of the passage, noting that it takes place within the "Upper Room Discourse," where Jesus delivers His farewell address to His closest followers right before finishing His earthly ministry in Jerusalem. Within this critical final charge, Jesus issues what He calls a "new command": “Love one another as I have loved you so you must love one another.” Tim explains that the command to love is not historically "new" to the disciples, as they were deeply familiar with the Old Testament laws to love God and love their neighbors. What makes it revolutionary is the person giving the command—Jesus—and the fact that He places Himself at the very center as the ultimate definition and source of this love. Tim emphasizes that a person cannot truly understand or define biblical love unless they intimately know Jesus, warning against letting the secular world dictate the definition of love. To show how biblical love departs from the world's transactional version, Tim unpacks the profound terminology used across Scripture. In the Old Testament, the primary word is hesed—a complex, multi-dimensional concept combining loyalty, kindness, promise-keeping, and mercy. It represents a covenant commitment where God consistently leans His blessing toward humanity despite their unfaithfulness. In the New Testament, the Greek word is agape, which refers to a sacrificial, deliberate laying down of one's own conveniences for the sake of others. Merging these concepts, Tim defines biblical love as a holy, self-giving commitment that expresses itself in tangible actions to benefit others, remaining entirely independent of feelings or the recipient's behavior. The challenge of this command becomes evident when looking at the intense diversity of the disciples Jesus gathered. The group included competing brothers, rough fishermen, a corrupt tax collector, a politically radical zealot, and women delivered from evil spirits. Tim notes that the modern church mirrors this exact same messy, diverse family dynamic. Believers are called to love people from vastly different backgrounds, including those whose political or social views might normally frustrate them, and even those who become outright enemies. Ultimately, Tim declares that this supernatural, unconditional love is intended to be the primary distinguishing mark of a Christian. While human nature relies on transactional relationships—cutting people off when they are no longer beneficial—spirit-filled love sticks with people sacrificially, which acts as the ultimate verification to the world that someone truly belongs to Christ. Grounding the congregation in the reassuring truth that God's anchor-like love never changes based on our performance, he challenges believers to look at the sacrifice of Christ and be daily compelled to extend that same sacrificial grace to the difficult people in their own lives. Discussion Questions for Practical Application Defining Love on God's Terms: Tim explicitly noted that we cannot let the world define love for us, defining biblical love instead as a commitment expressed in tangible actions independent of feelings. In what ways does the world's definition of love (e.g., based on emotional connection, compatibility, or transaction) creep into your own relationships? How can you consciously shift your mindset to view love as a deliberate agape commitment this week? Loving the "Diverse Disciples" in Your Circle: The original disciples included people with massive political and social divides, much like the modern church family. Think of someone in your immediate faith community, workplace, or family whose behavior, opinions, or background genuinely test your patience. Based on Jesus' command, what is one practical, tangible action you can take to show them biblical love, regardless of how you feel? The Trap of Transactional Relationships: Tim observed that it is natural human behavior to cut people off the moment they stop benefiting us or making us happy. Is there a relationship in your life right now that you have emotionally "cut off" or distanced yourself from because it became inconvenient or difficult? How does remembering Christ's unwavering hesed toward you alter your perspective on that person? Living as a Visible Replica: According to John 13:35, supernatural love is supposed to be our defining mark that proves to the world we are disciples. If an outside observer looked strictly at how you treat a difficult spouse, a tough neighbor, or a demanding boss, would they see a distinct reflection of Jesus? What is one specific area where you need to pray for the Holy Spirit to implant the power to love sacrificially?

Is your identity attached to what you do? Are your values dictated by the world? If your life is centered on God, it means you're going to do things differently. We're called to lead with a God-centered conviction, commitment, and courage. When we do that, we become a blessing to the world around us. If we don't, we slowly become just like it. Pastor Justin Ruszkiewicz teaches this week's message from Matthew 5:13 and Daniel 1. Click here for the Message Notes.Click here for Discussion Questions for this episode.Find us on:YouTube: YouTube.com/TheHarborInstagram: Instagram.com/TheHarbor_lifeFacebook: Facebook.com/TheHarbordotlifeWebsite: https://www.TheHarbor.lifeWatch/listen on The Harbor AppNew episode every week!

Are You Living Under the Right Covenant? Discussion Questions for Hebrews 8: Hebrews 8 says Jesus mediates a "better covenant" based on "better promises." What are some of those promises of the new covenant? How would your enjoyment of God increase if you relaxed more in His promises? God says the New Covenant is "not like" the covenant made at Sinai. What are some ways Christians accidentally make the New Covenant sound exactly like the Old Covenant? What phrases have you heard that make grace sound conditional, fragile, or performance-based? God says, "I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts." What does this reveal about your new desires in Christ? Why is it so encouraging to know that God is not merely commanding from the outside but working from the inside? Many believers say, "I know what I should do, but I don't want to do it." How does Hebrews 8 challenge the idea that Christians are still fundamentally rebellious at heart? How can we be honest about temptation and struggle without denying our new heart and new identity? God says, "I will be their God, and they shall be My people." Why does belonging need to come before behavior? How does knowing you already belong change the way you respond to failure, growth, correction, or temptation? React to this statement: Every believer has direct relationship with God, not secondhand spirituality. How does this truth free us from comparing ourselves with "super Christians" or depending on religious elites to feel close to God? God says, "I will remember their sins no more." What is the difference between God forgetting information and God choosing never to deal with you according to your sins again? What sins, failures, or regrets do you still assume God is holding over you? Where do you most need to "come home" to New Covenant life today: once-for-all forgiveness, new desires, direct access to God, a secure identity, or freedom from Law-based living?

Discussion QuestionsSwedish 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

Spiritual intimacy is one of those things every Christian couple knows they're supposed to have — but what does it actually look like day to day? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Andrew get honest about the barriers, the breakthroughs, and the simple practical steps that can help couples grow closer to each other by growing closer to God.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- What expectations did you bring into marriage about what spiritual intimacy would look like — and how has reality compared?- On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate where you are in spiritual intimacy right now? What's one thing contributing to that number?- What does your individual walk with God look like right now? Are you in a full season or a dry season — and does your spouse know?- Andrew mentioned that bitterness and unresolved conflict make it hard to pray together. Is there anything between you right now that needs to be cleared before you can go to God together?- What's one thing God has been teaching you lately that you haven't shared with your spouse yet?- What's one practical rhythm — praying together, a shared devotional, asking better questions — you could try this week?

Why settle for religion when Jesus brought something better? Discussion Questions for Hebrews 7-8: Why does it matter that Jesus became High Priest by God's oath, not merely by religious appointment or ancestry? What confidence do we gain from the fact that Jesus' priesthood is permanent and will never be replaced? Hebrews says Jesus "always lives to intercede" for us. What does that mean? And what does it not mean? How does Jesus being "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners" make Him exactly the High Priest we need? Why is it significant that Jesus is "seated" at the right hand of God, instead of standing daily like the old priests? What is the difference between a priest serving in an earthly copy and Jesus serving in the true heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 8:6 says Jesus has obtained a "more excellent ministry." What makes His ministry more excellent than the old covenant system? How do "better covenant" and "better promises" help us understand what we have in Christ that Israel never had under the Law?

Welcome to Day 2876 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Progressive Christianity and the Northern Kingdom: A Repeated Rebellion. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2876 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2876 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  Progressive Christianity and the Northern Kingdom: A Repeated Rebellion. After the division of Israel, Jeroboam feared losing his kingdom if the people continued worshiping in Jerusalem. Rather than abolish religion, he reshaped it. He placed golden calves at Dan and Bethel and declared, “Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt” (First Kings 12, verse twenty-eight). He kept the name of Yahweh but changed the worship to fit political and cultural needs. Progressive Christianity walks the same path. It keeps the language of faith while redefining the terms. Jesus becomes a moral teacher rather than the risen Lord. Sin becomes injustice rather than rebellion. Salvation becomes social healing rather than spiritual redemption. Just like the Northern Kingdom, modern progressives offer a god who is familiar in name but foreign in nature. The First Segment is: “Open-Minded” Idolatry The people of Israel did not see themselves as rejecting Yahweh. They simply wanted to be open to other spiritual options. Baal was worshiped for rain, Asherah for fertility, and Molech for prosperity. The land was filled with high places, groves, and alternate shrines. In their minds, it was not apostasy. It was balance. It was maturity. Progressive Christianity mirrors this impulse. Its leaders are often proud to affirm all religions as valid paths to the divine. Jesus is presented as one example among many. Interfaith services blend Scripture with mantras, chakras, and meditation. This “open-mindedness” is not new. It is the same spiritual adultery that the prophets condemned as whoredom. God does not share His throne. The second Segment is: Pagan Intrusion in Sacred Clothing The Israelites introduced forbidden elements into their worship. They practiced divination, consulted mediums, and used cultic rituals they learned from their Canaanite neighbors. They may have justified these things as “spiritual tools,” but the prophets saw clearly what was happening. Paganism was creeping into the house of God. Today, angel cards, energy healing, astrology, aura readings, and manifesting are all being imported into churches, especially those influenced by progressive and New Apostolic Reformation theology. These practices are often wrapped in Christian language. They speak of light, Spirit, and destiny. But they are no different from the forbidden rituals of ancient days. Their power does not come from the Holy Spirit. It comes from the same deceiving spirits that always wait behind the idols. The Third Segment is: The Rise of Prophetic Theater In the Northern Kingdom, the prophets became professional performers. They declared victory and blessing without requiring repentance. They contradicted the true prophets, promising peace while ignoring rebellion. Jeremiah lamented, “They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you'” (Jeremiah 23, verse seventeen). Today's “prophecy schools,” such as Bethel's School of Supernatural Ministry, follow a disturbingly similar pattern. They claim to train individuals to “activate” prophetic gifts, to decree and declare realities into being, and to access heaven's secrets at will. But true prophecy in Scripture was never a skill to be mastered or a sensation to be invoked. It was a calling given by God to speak His Word with fear and trembling. At Bethel and similar movements, prophecy becomes performance. It centers on personal revelation, emotional experience, and “manifesting” outcomes rather than repentance, obedience, and holiness. Like the prophets of the Northern Kingdom, these teachers proclaim peace where there is no peace and glory without the cross. The emphasis on “prophetic activation” closely mirrors the divination condemned by Moses, where the divine is manipulated for human ends rather than received with reverent submission. The Fourth Segment is: Cultural Syncretism Rebranded as Revival Ancient Israel thought it could have both Yahweh and Baal. It thought it could use Canaanite worship styles to honor the God of Abraham. But Yahweh had already spoken at Sinai. His worship was not negotiable. Israel's attempt to blend cultures resulted in divine rejection. Progressive Christianity makes the same mistake. It borrows the language of self-help, the values of humanism, and the practices of mysticism. It attempts to wrap them in Christian terms, calling it “revival” or “awakening.” But Yahweh does not share His glory. He is not worshiped on the high places. He is not accessed through emotion, technique, or personal preference. He demands covenant faithfulness. The fifth segment is: The Prophets Were Never Popular In the Northern Kingdom, the true prophets were persecuted. Elijah was hunted. Amos was silenced. Hosea was scorned. They did not tell people what they wanted to hear. They told them what God said. The people preferred the false prophets who promised peace, affirmation, and national greatness. Today, biblical voices that warn against false spirituality are called judgmental. They are told they are stifling the Spirit. They are accused of division and fear-mongering. But their words match the prophets of old. God does not change, and neither does the nature of rebellion. The sixth segment is: The Consequence of Compromise The Northern Kingdom fell. Assyria crushed it, and its people were scattered. The fall was not just political. It was spiritual. The gods they welcomed could not save them. The prophets they trusted led them into ruin. God gave them over to what they had chosen. Progressive Christianity is on the same path. It trades revelation for reinvention. It welcomes what God forbids. It builds golden calves and calls them Jesus. Its trajectory is not renewal but collapse. A house built on sand will fall. In Conclusion The Northern Kingdom did not fall because it rejected religion. It fell because it redefined it. It kept the name of God while reshaping everything else. It embraced the gods of the age and called it progress. Progressive Christianity is repeating this rebellion. It is time to choose whom we will serve. For further study, consider these Discussion Questions Why do you think Jeroboam chose to redefine Israel's worship rather than abolish it outright? How does this reflect the way progressive Christianity reshapes faith today? What are the dangers of being “open-minded” about spiritual truth? At what point does openness become compromise, and how can we recognize the difference? How do modern practices like angel cards, manifesting, and prophetic activation parallel ancient forbidden rituals? Can these practices ever be redeemed or are they inherently incompatible with biblical faith? Why were the true prophets in Israel often unpopular and rejected? How does this help us evaluate popular spiritual leaders today? If the Northern Kingdom's downfall was theological more than political, what does that suggest about the long-term consequences of doctrinal compromise in the Church today? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn The Bible as a Polemic: Confronting the Powers that Rebelled Kingdom:. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of  ‘Wisdom-Trek,  Creating a Legacy.'                          Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly,   I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always: