ENV - Langara

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?”

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary - The way we live our life tells the story of what we really believe. So live as a child of God. Read: 1 John 2:28-3:10 Truth: What does John indicate are the markers of whether we are a child of God or a child of the devil? Repentance: What does the story of your life say about whose child your really are? Faith: What are the ways the Spirit inviting you to let Jesus to be the author of your story?

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Trusting the truth and love of God Sermon Summary: The way we live our life tells the story of what we really believe. So live as a child of God. Main Passage: 1 John 2:28-3:10 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – What does John indicate are the markers of whether we are a child of God or a child of the devil? REPENTANCE – What does the story of your life say about whose child your really are? FAITH - What are the ways the Spirit inviting you to let Jesus to be the author of your story? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Trusting the truth and love of God Main Passage: I John 2:14-27 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – The Apostle John says that we can tell when someone is following Jesus by the way they live, love and who they believe in. In your own experience, how do you know if someone is following Jesus? REPENTANCE – John uses the phrase ‘antichrist’ in verse 18, not to describe some scary image of an individual in the future who will seek to take over the world, but to identify someone who is a denier of Christ. Not just someone disagrees with God but confidently denies that He is light (truth) and love. What happens when we separate God’s truth from His love? FAITH - John tells his readers to remain in God’s truth and love at the same time. How have remaining in God’s truth and love practically looked like for you? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?”

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Walking in the light involves confessing our sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking in fellowship with God and His people. Main Passage: 1 John 1:5-2:2 D-Group Questions: Truth: What are the signs we are walking in the light of Christ, and the signs we are still in the dark? Repentance: What is it that holds you back from walking in the light of Christ? Faith: What would it look like for you to step forward in faith into the light? What would it take to let go of all that you’re hiding? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Coveting worships what cannot satisfy. Main Passage: Exodus 20:17 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – What does 1 Timothy 6:6-10 say about coveting? REPENTANCE – What does Matthew 13:45 say about God's Kingdom? What makes that hard to believe? FAITH – What produces Psalm 42:2 RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Lying bends words for self-serving purposes, whereas truth expresses God's heart and mind. Main Passage: Exodus 20:16 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – Use 1 John 1:6 to connect lies and darkness. According to Ephesians 4:29, when are words good and true? REPENTANCE – When are you tempted to lie (John 3:19). Why would you repent in that area? FAITH – How does Ephesians 4:15 describe righteous speech? What would that look like in the area where you are tempted to lie? Pray for each other in this regard. RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?”

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Gratitude and generosity free us from greed. Main Passage: Exodus 20:15 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – If we fear poverty or lack, how does Ephesians 4:28 outline a road to freedom? How does 1 Timothy 6:6-11 add to that? REPENTANCE – What does it look like when you doubt God’s goodness in your finances? What has been the result of your mistrust? FAITH – What does faith in the area of finances look like for you? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: God calls us to be faithful to Him and our spouse, versus seeking to satisfy our feelings on our terms. Main Passage: Exodus 20:14 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – Describe the marriage covenant based on Genesis 1:26-27 and Ephesians 5:31-33. What does 1 Corinthians 7:29 is our primary covenant? How does that shape a marriage covenant? REPENTANCE – From 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, what undermines your ability to keep that covenant (married or single)? FAITH – Prayerfully ask, “What can you do to promote faithfulness to God and, if you are married, to your spouse?”

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Murder and anger are conquered through the absorption of forgiveness. Main Passage: Exodus 20:12 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – What is the difference between murder in general and homicide in particular? How does Jesus describe its root in Matthew 5:21-22? REPENTANCE – How does anger manifest itself in your life? Who do you find hard to forgive? FAITH – How is Jesus inviting you to forgive as He forgives (1 Peter 2:24). RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: [TBD] Main Passage: [TBD] D-Group Questions: [TBD] RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Read Colossians 2:6-13 D-Group Questions: 1. What “hollow and deceptive philosophies” based on human tradition and worldly principles do you see around you? What’s the be benefit? Is there a downside? 2. How does the mercy of Jesus triumph over the world? 3. Where in your life do you His mercy? Where does it need to flow through you? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: We overcome external and internal oppression through receiving and giving God's mercy. Main Passage: Exodus 20:12 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – What does honor mean? 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. Why does God institute human authorities? REPENTANCE – How do we find freedom from oppressive human authorities? James 2:13; Romans 12:18; Matthew 5:43-45 FAITH – What must we believe about Jesus to be merciful? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: The goal is not to manage time, but to redeem time by using it to receive and give God’s love in faith. Main Passage: Exodus 20:8-11 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – How do we make the Sabbath holy or distinct? REPENTANCE – According to Psalm 127:2, what steals away rest? FAITH – How did Jesus view His work in John 4:32? What does He invite us to do (Ephesians 5:15-16; Psalm 90:12)? How can faith and love shape how you work and rest? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: We misuse God's name by misrepresenting His love (mercy and justice). Main Passage: Exodus 20:7 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – How does Exodus 34:6-7 describe God's name? How does Romans 12:21 tell us to deal with evil? REPENTANCE – What does it look like to misrepresent God's name? Give practical examples from Ephesians 4:29; 5:4. FAITH – How can we tell whose name we are seeking to honor? According to Colossians 3:17, how do we honor God's name? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: We reflect who we imagine God to be. Main Passage: Exodus 20:4-6 D-Group Questions: TRUTH – After God tells us to worship Him in the first commandment, what does He tell us not to do in the second? Why is it so bad to worship images or idols? (See also Psalm 96:5; Titus 1:15.) REPENTANCE – Instead of worshipping God through an image we can see, how does 2 Corinthians 5:7 tell us to follow God? FAITH – According to Romans 10:17, how do we improve our image of God? How does this impact us, since we are made in God's image? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Our life is shaped by who we worship. READ: Exodus 20:3 Discussion Questions: Truth: God's main concern is who or what we worship. Why is that so important to Him? Repentance: How can we tell who or what we worship? How are those acts of worship rooted in self-worship? Faith: How will the god of self, resist our God-worship? What does fidelity to God look like? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: The Decalogue frees us from slavery for relationship. READ: Exodus 20:2 Discussion Questions: Truth: How does Exodus 20:2 shape how we are to read the Decalogue? What does the Decalogue precede Matthew 22:37-40? Repentance: In relationships, do you lean toward being legalistic or lawless? Give examples. Faith: How does the gospel shape how we relate to the Decalogue? (See Hebrews 7:18-19) RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: The early response of Jesus in the chapter raises questions about whether Jesus is loving in the midst of suffering. His coming to Martha and Mary reveals his love and presence in the midst of our struggles is true and sure, and then in that place of struggle he invites us into faith to embrace the reality that not only is there life and love to come through him in the future, but that Jesus is resurrection and life in our present moment. We are invited to live in the light of Jesus’ present and ongoing life and love. READ: John 11:1-45 Discussion Questions: Truth: Jesus states that is the resurrection and the life and proves it by a miracle of raising Lazarus. What is the bigger reality that Jesus wants us to realize about him? Repentance: What are the ways that you struggle to keep your eyes fixed on the hope of Jesus now and in the future? What are ways that you maybe treat God as someone to maintain your comfort rather than the one who invites us into more? Faith: If you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life what difference might that make for how you live and how you care for others. What step of faith might Jesus be inviting you into to express this? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Miracles flow from mercy v blame. READ: John 9 Discussion Questions: Truth: Read John 9 (before the D-Group). Describe the attitude of Jesus' disciples in 9:1 and the Pharisees in 9:16, 41. In contrast, describe the blind man’s attitude in 9:7, 25, 38. Repentance: Describe the difference between viewing our life through eyes of blame versus eyes of mercy and faith. Give examples of both from your life. Faith: Where do you need a miracle in your life? What does mercy look like there? Pray toward that end. RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: The miracle of Jesus walking on the water is a difficult one to understand. Other miracles more obviously reveal something about his message (ie. New Wine = The Holy Spirit, Feeding the 5000 = Provision for Needs etc.), but what does Jesus walking on water tell us about him? Genesis 1 gives us an image of the Spirit hovering over the dark chaotic waters and bringing form and purpose to the world. In the same way, Jesus is telling us that He (in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit in His baptism) is creating true order and purpose that is aligned with the Kingdom of heaven. Peter, also filled with the Spirit through his faith in Jesus, walks on water too conveying an even deeper message that we are restored to our original calling to steward creation unto God's original forms and purposes. The miracle is that God is recreating the world by giving His spirit to us through faith in Jesus. READ: Matthew 14:22-33 Discussion Questions: Truth: Read Genesis 1:1-2. What are the implications of the correlation that Matthew is making? Repentance: Is it good news that Jesus is re-creating the world into it's original design? What would that cost you? Faith: Why is faith in Jesus required to participate in his re-creation plan? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW: “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to the things you discussed last time.] "How did that go?” Sermon Summary: In the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus wants us to know that He is God, Messiah, Lord, King, but also…better food. READ: John 5-14 Discussion Questions: Truth: When Jesus (moved with compassion) saw the people coming towards them, it says that Jesus asked Philip a question to test or prove him. What do you think was going on there? Why did Jesus call Philip to a bigger problem? If this has happened to you, what did that look like? Repentance: Why does it seem easier to disregard’s the miracles and ways of Jesus when in reality we need His ways and miracles? What thoughts come to mind when you read this quote? Humanism has changed the Twenty-third Psalm: They began - I am my shepherd. Then - Sheep are my shepherd. Then - Everything is my shepherd. Finally - Nothing is my shepherd.” - Francis Schaeffer Faith: At the end of the chapter we see thousands of people walking away upset because of Jesus’ words to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Read Peter’s response to Jesus’ question in John 6:67-69. Based on Jesus’ request and Peter’s response, what does it practically look like to feast on Jesus? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: The gospel gives us better peace and joy (Acts 2:38) READ. Key Passage: John 2:1-11 Discussion Questions: Truth: What did wine in the Old Testament sacrificial system represent (see 1 John 1:7b)? Read John 2:1-11. What was Jesus' first sign? Repentance: When you struggle with guilt or sadness, to what might you turn? Why is that option(s) attractive? What does that option(s) cost you? Faith: Read Acts 2:38. How are the gifts of forgiveness and Spirit a better alternative? How do we create space to receive those gifts? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: In a powerful moment of insecurity and insignificance for the disciples following Jesus' Crucifixion and death, they huddled together, afraid, in a locked room. The resurrected Jesus met them in this moment of fear, bringing peace and purpose into their lives through his presence with them together, and through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus brought security and significance into their lives, so He brings belonging and meaning into our lives as we follow Him together in multiplying followers of Jesus who love God, one another, and the world. READ. Key Passage: John 20:19-22 Discussion Questions: Truth: Locked doors cannot keep Jesus from us (security), and He empowers us by His Spirit to be sent by the Father even as He was (significance). How does this truth speak to the belonging and meaning you experience in your own life? Repentance: In what ways does insecurity and insignificance affect you and cause you to hide (like the disciples) or seek solutions other than Jesus? Faith: In what ways do you sense Jesus inviting you to find your security and significance in Him, and what would it look like to live this out in your different relationships and spheres of life? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Jesus spent time advancing the Kingdom of Heaven on earth during his ministry, but then he left and gave the responsibility to his people to continue. This is because the plan was always to partner, even in the garden of Eden, and never to take over. The problem is, we can't accomplish this on our own. Jesus sacrifice allows those who believe in him to become vessels of God's presence: the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirits power that allows us to continue the mission Jesus started. This is a culmination of all aspects of the covenant God made with humanity where we are both reconciled to God and He restores to our original edenic calling to expand his Kingdom. He calls these redeemed people His "church," and we too get to live a life that is reconciled with God - being filled with his empowering presences in order carry out His mission of sacrificial love towards others. READ. Key Passage: 1Peter 2:9-10 Discussion Questions: Truth: How does it make you feel to know that God's desire is to make you into a person that is holy and chosen? Repentance: From what "darkness" are you called from? What form does the "wonderful light" take? Faith: How has God used "church" in your life to teach you about His family? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Jesus arrives as the fulfillment of the covenant God made with Abraham. Jesus conducts himself as a new Adam, rejecting the lies of enemy to cease blessing on his own. Jesus acts as a new Moses, who leads his people out of captivity from sin. Jesus is also a better David and has kingly authority over the powers of darkness. As the Royal Priest we need, Jesus is also becomes the perfect sacrifice we need to return from our exile and back into relationship with God. In our lives, we are tempted to use Jesus as a solution for our presenting problems like the Jews did in the case of Roman occupation. When we see Him as a means to our own ends we are prone to miss his real mission: To reconcile us to himself. Jesus invites us to trust God in the way that he did by forsaking our own lives for loves sake. His own resurrection gives a guarantee that those whose love completely only die to what is temporal and we're actually given eternal life through a relationship with God. READ. Key Passage: Romans 12:1 & Luke 9:23-25 Discussion Questions: Truth: What is the presenting issue in your life that seems as though if it were solved life would finally be good? (ie. Roman Occupation) Repentance: Why does Jesus invite us to offer ourselves as sacrifices if he supposed to be the ultimate sacrifice? Faith: What area in your life is Jesus inviting you to follow his example of ultimate trust in God? What would is cost you? What might the results be? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Key Passage: Luk 1:11-17 RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Israel's journey into the promise land started off well, but eventually their society degraded into depravity despite having the law and the levitical priest system in place. The people's heart's weren't submitted to God, and therefore the mercy offered through the priesthood was squandered without just leadership. They cried for a human king despite the dubious nature of putting a flawed human in charge, but God used Israel's kings to give us a glimpse into another important dimension of who Jesus is. We need priests to exercise mercy, but we also need kings to lead us into righteousness. Believers can rest knowing that Jesus is the perfect King who rules with infinite power and justice through his victory on the cross. Believers are also comforted knowing Jesus is the perfect Priest who ministers with infinite mercy, never stops interceding on our behalf, and sympathizes with us in our weaknesses. Humanity has its rightful Priest and King in Jesus. Merry Christmas! READ. Key Passage: Isaiah 9 Discussion Questions: Truth: Do you feel like you're in need of some "priestly" help, or some "kingly" help these days? Repentance: What makes is difficult to trust Jesus to be the source of mercy and justice in your life? Faith: What would be the result of trust in Jesus as your rightful priest and king? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Summary: Covenants are one of the primary ways God relates to humanity. Before the fall in Genesis 3, God made a covenant to bless humanity. Blessing is described as the result of humanity trusting God and therefore bearing His image. Humanity is "blessed" when God is able to share His ability to create new life through us and exercise His dominion through us. In contrast, a curse is described as the outcome of humanity seizing blessing for itself autonomously. Even after the fall, God remains faithful to this covenant knowing full well that justice will need to be paid to uphold justice and reverse the curse. We see in God's covenant to Abraham that salvation will come though Abraham's family, and the story of the (almost) sacrifice of Issac articulates how God does want to pay with his own blood, but He also desires our absolute trust and love because it's what ultimately saves us. God also demonstrates how he longs to dwell with his people through the Mosaic covenant that created a way (pre-Jesus) for God to dwell with his people through their obedience to the law. Today, this covenant is extended to us not through the blood of animals, but through Christ's blood. The medium has changed, but the question to us is the same as it was for our old testament characters: Will we trust God's sacrifice and respond to his covenant faithfulness with our own love and loyalty? READ. Key Passage: Genesis 22 Discussion Questions: Truth: Why do you think God put Abraham in such a tight spot? Repentance: What can you relate to in this story? Is there a promise you feel God's given you that he's asking for back? Why would he put you in a tight spot? (Read Hebrews 11:17-19 if you get stuck) Faith: What will the "resurrection life" that God has made a covenant to provide us cost you? Is the cost worth it? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Summary: Our second week dealt with the creation story and and it’s subsequent de-creation through Adam and Eve’s failure to trust in God as the source of truth. Instead, they chose to believe the lie of the serpent that they could be gods as well, and that God’s motives behind his rules weren’t wholly good. Their autonomy required an exile from the overlap of heaven and earth that was Eden since that domain has only one true ruler. God initiates the beginnings of s rescue plan that promises a "new Adam" will one day crush the head of the serpent by trusting in God fully while also becoming a sacrifice that atones for those who did not trust. For now, Adam and Even are clothes with garments of skin as a sign of both their commissioning to work the earth despite the curse of sin, and as a foreshadowing of the blood that now needs to be spilled for full reinstatement. READ. Key Passage: Genesis 3 Discussion Questions: Truth: Which of and in what ways do the serpents lies impact or resonate with you? Repentance: When your caught, are you more tempted to hide or blame? Faith: What truths about God’s character could remedy those proclivities? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Sermon Summary: The Bible is often referred to as “the Word,” but in John 1 Jesus is also given this title. This is because the largely Hebrew authors of the Bible conceptualized truth as what is revealed by God to us personally. The Greek mind, however, abstracted truth to science and reason apart from personal knowledge spoken by our Creator. We live in the aftermath of this move towards secularism, and the Bible’s original intent to reveal truth in the person of Jesus has become more and more difficult to detect as we come to the bible with increasingly self-centered agendas. When we read the Bible with its original in mind, we see how this divine love story hopes is a personal encounter with the truth. The Bible is therefore a unified story that leads to Jesus, and we beginning a journey over the coming weeks on how we can see the fullest picture of truth as we read scripture with this meta-narrative in mind. READ. Key Passage: John 1:1-5, 9-14 Discussion Questions: Truth: What do you think about the idea that absolute truth is a person, rather than a set of facts? Repentance: In what ways has the Bible frustrated you? What are the source of these frustrations? Faith: How would seeing scripture as God’s attempt to reveal himself to you personally change or help your engagement with it? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: What does it mean to be alive? Some would say it’s the quantity of life so live well, while others might say it’s the quality so do what is best for you. Wherever you might stand we see in John 10 that Jesus offers life, but not just life, but to have it abundantly. Our lives can often feel full but not of abundance, but rather pain, suffering, confusion and loneliness. So how do we actually live this abundant life? Is it possible? Please discuss the following questions below with your group. READ. Key Passage: John 10:1-10 Discussion Questions: Truth In the passage Jesus makes the distinction between His sheep who go through the sheep door, and anyone who goes another way is a robber. What do you think of that language and why do you think Jesus kept repeating it? Repentance Have someone in your group read John 10:3. What a powerful picture of Jesus speaking and His people listening. Where do you think Jesus wants to lead us and what stops us from hearing His voice as good? Faith: A little while ago, instead of asking how my day was going a friend of mine asked me what was satisfying me? It was a great question that I could answer quite easily and quickly because I know the things I depend on for a satisfied life. How could Jesus be your satisfaction today? What voices would have to be silenced? Do you want to trust that Jesus will satisfy you today? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, is given an opportunity to be king of all Israel but he seeks to gain that position by seeking the counsel of those who stroke his ego, determining to serve only himself, and using power to control others. Israel revolts against his powerplay, and the kingdom is divided. In contrast to Rehoboam, we see how Jesus' rise to greatness was through contentment, servanthood, and obedience to His Father. READ. Key Passage: 1 Kings 12:4-11 Discussion Questions: Truth: What was Rehoboam’s (unsuccessful) path in trying to become king? Describe Jesus' path to greatness in Philippians 2:6-9. Repentance: Where is God calling you to grow in influence and authority? Faith: What does that path practically look like? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: READ. Key Passage: Daniel 6:1-4 Discussion Questions: Truth: Repentance: Faith: RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Mordecai is a Jewish exile in Persia who raised his cousin Esther after her parents died. King Xerxes chose her to be queen after queen Vashti publicly shamed him. During that time, Mordecai told Esther of an assassination plot, and the king was saved. Later, because of his faith/ethnicity, Mordecai would not publicly honor an official named Haman. Insulted, Haman tried to kill not only Mordecai but all the Jews in the empire. Again, Mordecai informed Esther, and the king killed Haman and his family, honored Mordecai, and let the Jews defend themselves against their enemies. Jews still celebrate Purim in remembrance of that victory. Throughout this story we learn from Mordecai that influence comes from serving undeserving leaders, staying faithful to God, and making others great. Discussion Questions: Truth: Scripture is clear that we are not to befriend the world (James 4:4). How does this sync with Mordecai and Esther’s service of king Xerxes, and Romans 13:1 and Jeremiah 29:7? Repentance: What does a healthy relationship with leaders look like in your life? Where do you struggle to live that way? Faith: What does faith look like in that relationship? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Turning Points: Ruth by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: There is no more popular story in the Old Testament than David and Goliath. This turning point in David’s life is one of facing giants. At least two qualities characterize his defeat of Goliath. First, David made it about honoring God's name – self-serving motives seldom inspire us to face our giants. Second, David did not fight on the world’s terms; his primary weapon was faith in God – he trusted that what God did in the past, He was sure to do here. David’s honor of and confidence in God enabled him to liberate Israel from their enemy. READ. Key Passage: 1 Samuel 17 Discussion Questions: Truth: In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, what motivated David’s attack on Goliath? What does the contrast between Goliath’s battle attire and David’s lack thereof tell us about where David put his confidence (See 1 Samuel 17:47)? Repentance: What feels like a giant in your life, or what seems to drain away your faith? Why is this a matter of glorifying God's name? Faith: Who or what are you tempted to trust in for victory? What has God put in your hand in the past for victory in similar situations? What does that look like here? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Achan kept some of the treasure that was devoted to the Lord when the people miraculously conquered Jericho. The presence of God departed from the people and they lost the next battle. Achan was routed out and harshly judged. We too are tempted to line our pockets on our own journey into the promise land with things that we think will be our actual provision instead of God. But god is committed to being our provider. When we repent from greed and self-provision, we allow Gods covenantal promises in His word to be our source of provision. When we do, he multiplies those resources miraculously to not only provide abundantly for us but also build his kingdom through us. READ. Key Passage: Joshua 7 Discussion Questions: Truth: Read Joshua 7. What do you think are the “Babylonian artifacts” in your life that you’re tempted to line your pockets with? Repentance: Read Ephesians 5:3-7. Why do you think the greedy don't share in the inheritance of Christ? Faith: Read 1 Peter 1:23. What kinds of imperishable promises from Gods word do you have faith in? How does this compare to greed? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: This series explores how our choices matter. Rather than live in the past or future; God invites us to live in faith and love today. By examining the choices various Bible characters made, we can discover the importance of our own decisions. This week, we looked at Abram, who left the safety and familiarity of his own circumstances, people, and resources, to embark on a journey of faith. That faith-decision was not just a turning point for himself, its impact is felt to this day. READ. Key Passage: Genesis 12:1-4 Discussion Questions: Truth: In Genesis 12:1-4, what was God calling Abram to do? What would be the result of obeying that call? According to Romans 4:13, upon what was that choice based? Repentance: What is the opposite of making choices based on faith? Where do faith-less choices lead us? Faith: What is a choice that are you struggling with right now? How does faith impact that choice? What is God calling you to do? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Camp 8 Reunion Service: Us by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Two things regularly accompany the gospel: opposition and transformation. Perhaps both are connected for light shines best against a dark background. The Christian message will remain weak and irrelevant unless we are willing to oppose evil and declare Jesus as the rightful Lord rather than ourselves. The challenge, however, is to oppose evil with a good heart. Thankfully, God's Spirit helps us discern when and how to confront evil. READ. Key Passage: Acts 13:4-12 Discussion Questions: Truth: How does the demonic respond to the gospel? Repentance: What does it mean if we do not experience opposition? Faith: How do we fight against evil with godly weapons? See 2 Corinthians 2:4. RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Sermon Summary: Here in Acts 12:25 – 13:5 we learned more about this church in Antioch. This multi-ethnic and multi-cultural church devoted time to prayer and fasting which led to hearing clearly that God wanted them to send out some of their best leaders on a mission to preach the good news to those who have not heard it yet. READ. Key Passage: Acts 12:25-:13:5 Discussion Questions: Truth: In Acts 13:3, we see that the church prayed and fasted together. Discuss how this time of prayer in Acts 13 led to missions. Discuss how times of prayer can send us out to missions today. Why is it important that we pray and seek God’s purposes in our lives not only individually, but also with our spiritual community? Repentance: Share some instances in your life where you think you were defining your own ministry instead of seeking God’s purpose. How will you respond differently moving forward? Faith: Where is God sending you out this week? Who do you think are the people God is sending you to reach out to this week? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Acts is a historical account about the work of the Holy Spirit through the Church. In chapter 12:1-19 we read a miraculous story about Peter’s escape from prison shortly after the death of James. If every story has a moral this one’s can be found in verse 5, “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” It is my opinion that the author is pausing to remind us of a fundamental and foundational reality. That the gospel spreads and the Church grows only through confession (Matt 16:18) and fervent prayer (Acts 12:5). When we send out missionaries, such as our team in Turkey, it is easy to get distracted by strategies and planning. But if life on earth cannot exist without oxygen then Luke is reminding us that confession and prayer must be the breath of all believers whether you go or stay. READ. Key Passage: Acts 12:1-19 Discussion Questions: Truth: Prayer is more relational than ritualistic. What aspects of prayer and reasons to pray have been highlighted to you by the Holy Spirit in this passage? Repentance: Since prayer is relational what makes it difficult for you to engage? Since prayer is vulnerable, how do you handle silence or unwelcome answers? Faith: According to this passage what fuels our faith to pray? Reflect on Matthew chapter 16, what did Jesus promise us when we pray? We all have reasons to resist prayer, have you considered starting with your own unbelief? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Key Passage: Acts 11:19-30 Discussion Questions: Truth: What barriers do you see in your life that make deep relationship with people that aren’t like you a challenge? Repentance: How would ultimate faithfulness to Christ in your life practically remove those barriers? Faith: Describe church community at it’s best from your point of view? What takes faith for you personally to be a part of that vision becoming a reality? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” ​READ. Key Passage: Acts 11:1-8 RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Here in Acts 10:23-48 we see the three markers of Christians – baptism, forgiveness, and the gift of the Spirit – have now been given to the Gentiles. This clarifies the constitution of God's Kingdom; it is not a matter of a common culture or location, but a common devotion to Jesus as Lord, a common need of forgiveness, and a common gift of Spirit-filled love. Only as we lay down our rights for these privileges and responsibilities can we hope to experience fellowship with God and others. READ. Key Passage: Acts 10:23b-48 Discussion Questions: Truth: Read Acts 2:38 and discuss the significance of these three elements now being given to the Gentiles (Acts 10:48, 43, 44). How do these three things constitute the foundation for our relationship with God and His church? Repentance: How has a lack of repentance (baptism), forgiveness and/or empowerment hurt your relationship with God and others? Give examples. Faith: Why does it take faith to repent, receive forgiveness, or walk in the Spirit? Specifically, where and how is God inviting you to respond? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: The move of the Spirit continues here in this account of Peter's vision as God moves him to invite gentile outsiders into the kingdom of God. For this to happen Peter needs a change of heart and mind. He needs to hear from the Spirit and to discern what of culture can be redeemed, and what must be rejected. Like Peter, we are invited to discern with God's Word how to interact with the culture we are a part of, and to create space in our lives to invite people into relationship with us, and with Jesus. READ. Key Passage: Acts 10:1-23 Discussion Questions: Truth: What are the ways that God helped Peter discern and open up to the move of the Spirit in these verses? What was God revealing to him? Repentance: What are ways that we have inherited or erected barriers to inviting people into relationship with Christ? Faith: How might the Spirit be inviting you to open your life for new people to come to Him? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Between summarizing the early Christian Jews as God-fearing and Spirit-filled, and the ministry to Gentiles as for the God-fearing who will be Spirit-filled, the focus of Acts 9:32-43 is the diversity of Christian service. Both the marginalized and the prominent are healed; Peter’s ministry was both evangelistic as well as pastoral; and this passage mentions service that ranges from raising the dead to sewing clothes. What unites all these acts of service is that they are done in the fear of the Lord and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Such faith-filled service produces faith in others. READ. Key Passage: Acts 9:32-43 Discussion Questions: Truth: What kinds of service are described in Acts 9:32-43? What was the result? Repentance: What role does the fear of the Lord play in faith-filled service? Faith: Read 1 Peter 4:10. What does fearing God in faith look like for you? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]