Evergreen Christian Community

Start The Journey: How To Pray

Get Your Mind Right

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (p. 998) The Big Idea: To fight for your life effectively, you must get your mind around the realities of war. We have 3 Enemies That Must Be Demolished or Destroyed: 1. STRONGHOLDS 2. ARGUMENTS 3. PRETENSIONS Nothing great has ever been done with half of someone’s HEART. Proverbs 23:7 (p. 562) You can change the way you FEEL by changing the way you THINK. Colossians 3:1–2 (p. 1016) Romans 12:2 (p. 975) Matthew 22:37 (p. 849) Positive thinking is not a replacement for God, i...

Christmas Eve

Giving the Real You

Series Big Idea: Because God’s greatest gift to you is His Presence, the sensible gift to give Him is yours. Romans 12:1-8 (p. 975) The Big Idea: THINK + FAITH = VISION The Journey of the Self ● Our natural impulse is an elevated sense of SELF-IMPORTANCE. ● Clarity comes from being GOD-LABELED rather than SELF-LABELED. ● Comparison is a FOOL’S GAME. ● Your best self is found and fulfilled in connection to the BODY OF CHRIST. ● God gave you GIFTS so you could GIVE THEM AWAY. ● So do that with ALL...

Use Some Sense

Series Big Idea Because God’s great Christmas gift to you was His Presence, the sensible gift to give Him is yours. Romans 12:1-3 Galatians 2:20 The Big Idea: Transformation is both a continual struggle and a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Verse 1 urgently calls for a DECISIVE commitment. Verse 2 reveals how to PRACTICE that commitment. Two Parts of Practicing our Commitment: 1. Do not CONFORM to the PATTERN of this world.  Galatians 1:4  Hebrews 6:5 James 1:27 2. Be TRANSFORMED by the ...

“The Sensible Gift”

The Big Idea: Because God’s incredible Christmas Gift to you is His Presence, the sensible gift for you to give Him is yours. Romans 12:1-3 God is the RELENTLESS and SELFLESS Giver. We respond to God by, through, and because of His MERCY. In view of His gift to us, our gift to Him is our BODIES. ● James 1:26 ● James 2:14-19 We offer our gift ALIVE. And our gift is to be: 1. HOLY Galatians 2:20 2. PLEASING 1 Samuel 15:22 3. LOGICAL...

UnChristian, Week 3 - Legalistic

Titus 3:3-8 (p. 1031) The Big Idea: Legalism is a fool’s game that no one can win. THE LIE OF LEGALISM: - You have to be GOOD to get to GOD. - You have to be FIXED to be FORGIVEN. Legalism says that TRANSFORMATION comes before RELATIONSHIP. Jesus says that RELATIONSHIP comes before TRANSFORMATION He SAVES us. We do NOTHING. Ephesians 2:8 (p. 1006) The Lure of Legalism: We come to Him through GRACE, then make it about WORKS. We reduce SPIRITUALITY to OUTWARD PRACTICES and norms. Spirituality is n...

UnChristian, Week 2 - Hypocritical

The Big Idea: Pretending you are someone you aren’t is toxic to everyone, including you. Matthew 7:3-5 (p. 832) Matthew 23:5-7; 11-15; 23-28 (p. 849) Hypocrite - “MASK WEARER” Hypocrite - One who lays aside their true IDENTITY for a false one. The worst kind of hypocrites not only exaggerate their own GOODNESS, but also others’ FAILURES. What Hypocrisy is Not: - It is not when somebody fails your expectations of PERFECTION. - It is not catching someone who says they follow Jesus SINNING. Let’s c...

UnChristian Week 1 - Judgmental

The Big Idea: God will judge you the way you judge others. Matthew 7:1-5 (p. 832) The message of Jesus is clear: “Whatever you do, don’t JUDGE people!” Judgmentalism is the practice of personal CONDEMNATION. We Are Judgmental When We: - Assume the worst construction of their MOTIVES. - Pour cold water on their DREAMS - Are ungenerous toward their MISTAKES The opposite of judgmentalism is not apathy, but the practice of GRACE and TRUTH. - John 1:14; 16-17 (p. 911) - John 8:1-11 (p. 919) The key i...

Special Speaker Sunday - Scott Hanson - Live Dead

Please Welcome with us Scott Hanson from Live Dead! As we listen to him and his story, consider these thoughts about "Living Life on Mission" -How can you be more intentional with the daily rhythm of your life to serve your oikos? -Who in your oikos would be most impacted by your story? Why and have they heard it? -What are some barriers in your life that could be removed in order to serve your oikos more effectively? -Regarding your oikos, where may God be asking you to go this week that takes ...

The Grace of Giving, Part 3

Big Idea: Join the Add:Venture 2 Corinthians 8:7 (p. 996) “Money is not intended to be a source of security- it is intended to be a source of blessing.”

The Grace of Giving Part 2 - The Focus of Grace of Giving

Matthew 6:19-34 (p. 832) The Big Idea: Your focus will determine your path. The EYES are the most critical anatomical part of grace giving. Be Careful Little Eyes What You See: • What do your eyes see as your TREASURE BOX? • Where do your eyes look when you WORRY? • What MASTER does your eye look to for counsel? There is a relationship between who you serve and what you WORRY about. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (p. 998) Therefore, to excel in the grace of giving you must take your THOUGHTS captive. Embr...

The Grace of Giving Part 1

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 (p. 997) The Big Idea: God’s grace can take you and your giving further than you can even imagine. Matthew 6:21 (p. 832) Malachi 3:10-12 (p. 823) The tithe is the foundation of TRUST. The tithe is a test of God’s CHARACTER. The tithe is the secret sauce of FINANCIAL freedom. Not all giving requires GRACE. Among Christians, there are: • TAKERS • TIPPERS • TITHERS • GRACE GIVERS Grace In Full-Motion: • PROPORTIONAL giving • SACRIFICIAL giving • ENTHUSIASTIC giving Proverbs 11:2...

The Most Powerful Thing You Can Do With Your Mouth

The Big Idea: The most powerful thing you can do with your mouth is confess. Psalm 32:1-11 (p. 477) Four Ingredients of a Blessed Life: 1. Your core BROKENNESS is forgiven. 2. Your past FAILURES are covered. 3. Your present STRUGGLES are not kept on a scoreboard. 4. Your way of life is FULL DISCLOSURE with God. Confession: to say what GOD SAYS. 1 John 1:6-10 (p. 1054) You can CLAIM or you can CONFESS. Silence is EXPENSIVE. Psalm 32: 3-4 (p. 477) Confession is the doorway to FREEDOM and JOY. Thre...

Amazing Facts

James 3:1-15 (p. 1044) The Big Idea: As goes the taming of the tongue, so goes all other spiritual progress. 4 Amazing Facts: 1. The tongue is DISPROPORTIONATELY powerful. James 1:26 (p. 1043) 2. The tongue is INHERENTLY evil. James 3:6 (p. 1044) James 3:8 (p. 1044) 3. The tongue is HUMANLY untamable. James 3:7-8 (p. 1044) Exodus 4:10-11 (p. 50) 4. The tongue is CONTRASTINGLY productive. James 3:9-12 (p. 1044) James 3:5-12 (p. 1044)...

Convoy of Hope

The Truth About Words

The Big Idea: The substance of my words reveals the nature of my heart. Proverbs 18:21 (p. 557) Matthew 12:33-37 (p. 838) THREE TRUTHS ABOUT MY WORDS: 1. My WORDS reveal ME. Psalm 141:3 (p. 537) Psalm 39:1 (p. 482) Proverbs 17:28 (p. 557) 2. My WORDS affect OTHERS. Proverbs 26:18-19 (p. 565) Luke 6:41-45 (p. 886) 3. My WORDS build MONUMENTS. 2 Timothy 1:3,5 (p. 1027)

The Value of Words

The Big Idea: Your words have enormous influence over the outcomes of your life. Proverbs 18:20-21 (p. 557) Two Points: 1. Words connect us to God. John 1:1-5;14 (p. 911) Psalm 107:19-20 (p. 522) Romans 10:8-11; 13 (974) Matthew 12:31-37 (p. 838) 2. Words connect us to each other. Prov. 18:21-22 (p. 557) Ephesians 5:25-27 (p.1009)

Hearing From God

The Big Idea: Walking with God is not only possible, it should be our expectation. 1 Samuel 10:6-9 (p. 236) In the Old Testament, life IN THE SPIRIT is a rare thing, but in the New Testament, it is a COMMON thing. - Acts 1:8 (p. 935) - Acts 2:16-21 (p. 936) Our ability to hear God is highly dependent on a CONVERSATIONAL relationship with God. - Proverbs 3:5-6 (p. 543) THREE COMMON MISTAKES: 1. The MESSAGE A MINUTE view. 2. The IT’S ALL IN THE BIBLE view. 3. The WHAT-EVER COMES view. THREE Lights...

What Matters Most

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (p. 996) The lie she believes before marriage and he believes after: - SPIRITUAL MISMATCHES do not matter. 4 Levels That Couples Relate to Each Other: 1. PHYSICAL 2. INTELLECTUAL 3. EMOTIONAL 4. SPIRITUAL Gut-Check Questions: 1. Can they describe a specific time or era where they accepted Christ’s gift of FORGIVENESS? 2. If they were put on trial for being a COMMITTED follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict them you? God wants to UNIFY, EMPOWER, and REV...

A Match Made In Heaven

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (pg. 988) Lie we believe before marriage: - There is ONLY ONE PERSON that is meant for me. Lie we believe after marriage: - I must have married the WRONG PERSON. Marriage is about DECISIONS and ACTIONS. 1 Corinthians 13 is not the love chapter it is the WORK chapter.

Happy and Fulfilled

Ephesians 5:21-33 pg. 1009 Lie we believe before marriage: “I have to be married to be HAPPY and FULFILLED.” 1 Corinthians 7:7 (MSG) pg. 983 Lie we believe after marriage: “My husband or wife MUST MAKE ME happy and fulfilled.” - He needs RESPECT; she needs LOVE. 5 Ways to Love Your Wife: 1. Be CLOSE 2. Be OPEN 3. Be UNDERSTANDING 4. Be COMMITTED 5. Be CAPTIVATED 5 Ways to Respect Your Husband: Appreciate his desire to... 1. WORK and ACHIEVE. 2. SERVE and LEAD 3. ANALYZE and COUNSEL 4. Experience...

Stick Together

The Big Idea: The Jesus makes us part of something far bigger than we realize. John 17:20-26 Jesus prays that we be ONE. What does that mean? - Same NATURE - INDISTINGUISHABLE from each other yet incredibly diverse How We Experience Oneness? - Common ROOT - Common FRUIT Who Is Eligible? - Anyone who has experienced FAILURE. Three Goals: 1. More people being born again than being born 2. The Church become the most valued organization in every city/town 3. True Community Transformation...

How Jesus Plans to Change Your World

The Big Idea: Jesus is praying for you. John 17:6-19 (p. 929) The Kind of People Who Change Their World: -Those who BELONG to Jesus. -Those OBEDIENT to God’s Word. -Those that have huge FAITH in God. How Jesus Prays for You (9-19) -That you be PROTECTED in the world -That you PREVAIL in the world -That you be ONE with other believers in the world -That you be HOLY in the world The world is changed when WHOLE people are HOLY to God and give their WHOLE HEARTS to serving the mission of Jesus. Roma...

Relax

Big Idea: Peace and joy come from keeping an eternal perspective. John 16:16-33 (p. 929) There are 2 sources of our anxiety/unrest: 1. Facing the UNKNOWN. 2. Facing things OUT OF OUR CONTROL. John 10:10 (p. 922) Isaiah 55:8 (p. 636) -The answer to our anxiety is a God INVASION. -Life in this world is like GIVING BIRTH. John 16:21-22 (p. 929) Why you can relax: 1. God is in the FUTURE. 2. God’s powerful presence is IN YOU. 3. Jesus has OVERCOME THE WORLD. 4. God is eager to ANSWER. Hebrews 11:13-...

Follow Me

The Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is our Advocate for navigating spiritual truth. John 16:5-15 (p. 928) When the Holy Spirit comes, He proves the world WRONG: - About SIN - About RIGHTEOUSNESS Romans 4:5 (p. 968) 1 Corinthians 1:30 (p. 980) - About JUDGMENT John 12:31-33 (p. 925) The Holy Spirit GUIDES us into all truth. The Holy Spirit is just getting STARTED.

Choose Your Conflict

The Big Idea: When you choose Jesus you pick a side. -John 15:9-25 (p. 928) Jesus Presents Three Relational Arenas Where You Must Choose: V.16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you…” 1. You and ME - Choose to REMAIN. - Choose to OBEY. - Choose to become a FRIEND. 2. You and other FOLLOWERS OF JESUS - Choose EACH OTHER. 3. You and THE WORLD - Choose to accept REJECTION. - Choose not to BELONG TO THEM. - James 4:4 (p. 1045) I must CHOOSE. Joshua 24:13-18 (p. 210)...

Expect More

THE BIG IDEA: God has a simple strategy to make you very fruitful. John 15:1-11 (p. 928) God wants you to be FRUITFUL! He is committed to GETTING HIS HANDS DIRTY. He is committed to RESOURCING YOU. He is committed to LARGE FRUIT. He is committed to being GLORIFIED this way. This is how you find JOY. The Truth About Deadwood: Branches are in trouble when they lose their RESOURCE. The destiny of deadwood is STARVATION and DEATH. 3 Keys to Fruitfulness: (what’s the job of a branch?) 1. Choose the T...

Do What I Did

The Big Idea: The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live like Jesus. John 14:12-14 (p. 927) THE OBVIOUS QUESTION: HOW? By THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. CLARIFYING QUESTION: How does Jesus decide who to show Himself to? Those who LOVE Him. How does Jesus spell love? OBEY (4 Times) The Holy Spirit is Your: ADVOCATE INTERCESSOR HELPER How to love God: PLAY OFFENSE. Romans 7 Romans 8 BODY GOD SPIRIT SOUL MIND MIND SOUL SPIRIT GOD BODY...

Trust God

The Big Idea: The love of the Father says, “do not let your hearts be troubled.” John 14:1-14 (p. 927) Jesus and God are ONE. Do not let your heart be TROUBLED. Trust in God brings PEACE. John 16:33 (p. 929) Relationship with God brings HOPE. Psalm 33:20-22 (p. 478) Hebrews 11:1 (p. 1040) Psalm 147:11 (p. 540) Faith in Jesus brings POWER Romans 15:13 (p. 978)