Big Idea: We find joy in Christ as we grow in spiritual maturity Philippians 3:15-4:1 Growth in Christ is a natural part of our maturity Philippians 3:9-14 1 Corinthians 13:9–11 Our model at Evergreen for growth: • Powerful Worship Gatherings • Purposeful Relationships • Spiritual Disciplines • Meaningful Service "I think if you had asked Jesus about His spiritual life, He would have looked at you very confused. My guess is He would have asked, “What do you mean by my spiritual life? All of my l...
Mar 10, 2024•38 min
Philippians 3:1-14 Big Idea: In pursuit of Christ, abandon false confidence and press on toward the prize of knowing Jesus. 1. “Beware of Dog” Philippians 3:2 Romans 2:28-29 Reality with God is not a matter of outward conformity to religious rituals, but rather of obedience that results from God changing your heart. 2. Everything, to nothing, back to everything Philippians 3:8 Philippians 3:4-6 Matthew 13:44-46 99% obedience is still disobedience. Christ calls us to give up EVERYTHING in pursuit...
Mar 03, 2024•34 min
Philippians 2:1-18 Big Idea: Joy is lived out as we imitate Christ How is joy lived out? 1 - Pursue unity in the Body Strife - squelches the anointing Unity - promotes the anointing Our behaviors are driven by our attitudes. 2 - Having the mindset of Christ Philippians 2:10-11 3 - Do everything without grumbling Numbers 11:1 4 - Choose to rejoice Philippians 2:17-18 Response: • Make things right • Center your life on Christ • Embrace & choose Joy DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► Connection questions:...
Feb 25, 2024•35 min
“Reacting is an instinctive, emotional response to a situation. It's often impulsive and can be influenced by our past experiences or fears. On the other hand, responding is a thoughtful and deliberate action. It involves considering the situation, weighing the options, and making a conscious decision.” - Laura Noel Philippians 1:12-18 Big Idea: The Gospel turns victims into victors. • See Adversity as Opportunity Philippians 1:12-14 "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our ...
Feb 18, 2024•40 min
Philippians 1:3-11 Big Idea: Joy is offered in the present, because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 1. Fellowship Over Friendship 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 2 Corinthians 12:9 James 1:2-3 2. Joining in Spreading the Gospel Psalm 96:3 Mark 16:15 “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” -St. Francis Assisi Psalm 73:26 3. Through Daily Holy Spirit Influence 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Romans 8:9 Response: • Get Connected. • Partner with the Holy Spirit. • Accept Joy. DISCOVERY BI...
Feb 11, 2024•39 min
Acts 8:1-4 Galatians 1:13-14 Philippians 3:4-6 Big Idea: A relationship with Jesus is the greatest treasure you will ever find Acts 9:1-19 Religion is always inferior compared to a relationship with Jesus 2 Corinthians 2:4-7 Jesus is our treasure 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Response • Let go of the things that hold you back from pursuing Jesus • Seek Jesus as your greatest treasure Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Devotional: Looking for a scripture reading plan for the year, or hoping to add a devotional to your ro...
Feb 04, 2024•38 min
Acts 6:1-6 Acts 6:8-10 Acts 7:54-60 Big Idea: Keeping our Eyes on Jesus allows us to live a Spirit-filled life that is impossible on our own. • The Spirit’s filling makes the ordinary extraordinary Acts 7:54-56 Hebrews 12:2-3 • The Spirit’s filling makes a profound impact on those around you Acts 7:57-58 Acts 8:1 1 Timothy 1:13-14 "Our faithfulness is a living sermon, a testimony that speaks louder than words, influencing hearts in ways we may never fully comprehend." - Elisabeth Elliot • The Sp...
Jan 28, 2024•46 min
Luke 1:26-38 • Luke is setting an Old Testament theme in chapter one • Gabriel is a long-awaited messenger • No word from God will ever fail! • Mary is the Lord’s Servant Big Idea: Grace changes the focus from ourselves to Jesus God’s Gift is not given on our own merit Ephesians 2:8 Understanding the cost of grace should move us to worship Luke 1:46-55 God’s Grace invites us to participate in what He is already doing John 2:1-5 Response • Receive His Grace • Worship Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured...
Jan 21, 2024•35 min
John 14:1-7 Big Idea: The Way is revealed to us as we keep our eyes on Jesus 1. Keeping your eyes on Jesus means curious questioning “The reflective Christian is one who questions what she believes while continuing to believe what she is questioning” - Roger Olsen James 1:5-6 John 15:7 2. Keeping your eyes on Jesus means communicating with your ears open. Romans 10:17 Ephesians 5:15-17 3. Keeping your eyes on Jesus means being involved in community Hebrews 10:24-25 "Darkness cannot drive out dar...
Jan 14, 2024•39 min
Hebrews 12:1-2 John 21:1-19 Big Idea: Keep your eyes on Jesus, the one who has redeemed you. Context • Peter once again got out of the boat to meet Jesus • Peter’s denial is recorded in all four gospels (ouch). • Jesus performed miracles, provided for his people, served, and restored. • The three questions about Peter’s love for Jesus are certainly tied to Peter’s three denials. Jesus loves you just as you are AND loves you too much to leave you that way 1 Peter 1:18-21 Our obedience to Jesus is...
Jan 07, 2024•39 min
Psalm 77:11-14 Big Idea: Remembering what God has done positions us for faith for the future. 1. Extravagant Blessing: The Lord has blessed us Joshua 4:1-7 We remember that God blesses people, He has blessed us, and we are able to pay that blessing forward. 2. Deliverance: The Lord has bought us, rescued us, and delivered us 1 Samuel 7:5-12 3. Testimony: The Power When We Share God’s Transformational Power Revelation 12:11 Response: • Gratitude: Stop and give thanks for what God has done FOR you...
Dec 31, 2023•25 min
John 1:9-1 Isaiah 7:14 Big Idea: Emmanuel, God With Us, ultimately has come for our transformation. 1. Jesus is with you Emmanuel - “God with us” Matthew 1:20-23 We are never alone. We are never stranded. We are never abandoned. 2. Jesus understands Hebrews 4:14-16 Embrace God’s kindness. Receive His grace. God knows you…and still loves you. 3. Jesus Changes Everything John 1:12-13 Jesus came…to change you, change me, and give us the freedom to experience real, pure, unconditional love. Let Jesu...
Dec 24, 2023•39 min
Big Idea: Jesus is the hope of the world. Luke 2:4-7 Luke presents Jesus as the savior of the world. Jesus came for the oppressed and outcast. Luke 4:14-20 Response • Look: Look at the manger and see that Jesus came for the world • See: See that you are deserving of His love • Open: Open your heart to the hope of Jesus • Share: Share the hope of Jesus with those around you DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► This week's verse: Isaiah 15:1-10 ► Connection questions: 1. What are you thankful for? 2. What is a...
Dec 17, 2023•41 min
“It is a remarkable fact that, among the variations in the order in which the Gospels appear in early lists and texts, the one constant factor is that Matthew always comes first.” - R. T. France Matthew's gospel contains more references to the Old Testament than any other biography of Jesus with a laser-focus on one key theme: Jesus is King. Matthew 2:1-12 Big Idea: Knowing Jesus' Identity as King allows us to recognize Him in our lives. • Magi as “King Makers” Daniel 2:48 Matthew 2:1-2 “Though ...
Dec 10, 2023•42 min
Mark 1:1-8 Big Idea: The Good news comes in the unlikeliest places. Good News Hebrew: Bisser [bi-sair]. Verb—good news Besorah. Noun—the good news given Greek: Euangelion— Eu (good) and angelion (news) Luke 2:8-14 1. Anticipation: The good news was predicted Malachi 3:1 Challenges without hope lead to despair. Challenges with anticipation lead to joy. Isaiah 40:9-11 2. Desperation: The good news was needed. Isaiah 61:1-3 “At no point since 2005 have a majority of Americans said the country was o...
Dec 03, 2023•37 min
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Big Idea: We are chosen to carry the message of God’s hope and love to our world. 1. Be Light Matthew 5:15-16 • Let your message matter more than your opinion • Let your message matter more than your image • Let your message match your actions • Be a light IN the world 1 Peter 2:12 (The Message) “Sometimes we make too much of our work, thinking we have to control the outcome. We simply have the opportunity to love a human God created.” - MaryKate Morse. 2. Be a Bridge Acts ...
Nov 26, 2023•40 min
Luke 10:38-42 Big Idea: We are called to pursue intimacy with God as our #1 priority! This is NOT a call of duty - This is a call of opportunity. 3 Keys to lasting intimacy: 1 - Intentional Listening John 5:19-20 Be intentional if you are going to be intimate. 2 - Fight Distractions We fight distractions for the benefit of the relationship! Facts about distractions - • Distractions can worry and upset us • Distractions can cause contention & bitterness “Because what you give your attention t...
Nov 19, 2023•34 min
Big Idea: As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to uniquely use our gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:12-18 • Unity in Diversity 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 “God designed His Church to function as a harmonious orchestra, with each member playing a unique instrument, producing a beautiful symphony of faith.” - John MacArthur • Neglecting Our Divine Design 1 Corinthians 12:15-18 “When we neglect our unique place and purpose in the Body of Christ, we hinder the Church’s ability to fully express God’s lo...
Nov 12, 2023•46 min
Matthew 4:18-22 John 10:3-4 Big Idea: The Voice of Jesus is Calling - it’s time to follow Him. 1. Jesus is Calling John 10:27 The call to follow Jesus = A call to trust. 2. Am I Responding? Luke 9:23 Matthew 4:18-20 • Jesus doesn’t try to convince • Jesus doesn’t give promises of what is ahead for them. • Jesus doesn’t give clear answers to what that will look like. • Jesus only says to follow… Obedience - where our faith meets reality Matthew 16:24-26 What does “Follow Me” mean? • Our values mo...
Nov 05, 2023•39 min
Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 Big Idea: In Christ, you are a new creation. Now embrace it and live it. Galatians 6:14-15 1. The Old You - Remember where God has brought you from. Ephesians 2:1-3 - Let Go of your past. Philippians 3:13-14 2. The New You 1 Peter 2:9-10 3. Embrace the new Life you’ve been given! What now? - Do not conform - Renew your mind - Reject the lies - Work through the generational patterns - Submit to the Spirit–in quietness and immersed in the Word. - Embrace the truth...
Oct 29, 2023•28 min
Romans 12:2 Big Idea: Renewing our minds is a continual but crucial process in a Christian life. 1 Corinthians 2:11-16 If you don’t allow God in to renew your mind, you’re not living the way you were created to live. Point 1: Guard yourself. “You are what your mind looks at.” - Tan Hwee Hwee 2 Corinthians 4:4 2 Timothy 1:7 Point 2: what’s filling you, what are you allowing to fill you? THAT'S why it’s important to be familiar with God’s word and character. Renewal comes with the transformation o...
Oct 22, 2023•40 min
Romans 12:2 Genesis 3:1-14 Big Idea: God wants to take our lies and replace them with truth. We believe the lie that God’s word is not trustworthy • The truth is we are the ones who have drifted from fully trusting God We believe that the Bible is God’s word: We hold that the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the unique, full, and final authority on matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. Deuteronomy 6:6...
Oct 15, 2023•43 min
Romans 12:2 4 Areas of Relational Influence: • Parents • Family • Spouse • Friends Big Idea: Generational patterns, whether positive or negative, have a profound impact on our lives. 3 Objections to Dealing with Our Past: • Focusing on the past is bad. • I don’t need to address my past. • My past is a can of worms I am not willing to open. Exodus 20:5-6 "Children who repeat the sins of their fathers evidence it by personally hating God." - Walter Kaiser Point 1: Identifying Generational Patterns...
Oct 08, 2023•41 min
Romans 12:1–2 Big Idea: The world wants to press you into its mold, but God wants to transform you from the inside out. • Formation Genesis 2:7 Psalm 139:15 • Conformation Romans 12:2 • Transformation 2 Corinthians 3:16–18 Transformation happens by: a. The Gospel b. Renewing of your mind Ezekiel 11:18–20 Spiritual Formation: “Spiritual formation focuses on the deepening of one's relationship with God.” 1. Sabbath 2. Prayer 3. Silence 4. Scripture 5. Fasting Response: • Begin by giving it all to ...
Oct 01, 2023•46 min
Matthew 16:13-20 The Big Idea: The Church is entirely a work of Jesus. The most important question any human will ever answer: Who do you say Jesus is? People Love Their Church for Five Reasons: • The Pastor • The People • The Place • The Programs • The Platform Mature Christians Follow Jesus Deeper Into His Vision for the Church: Matthew 28:16-20 Response: • Let us pray for ECC and this transition • Let us pray for our next Pastor • Let us celebrate the One who is able DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► T...
Sep 24, 2023•53 min
James 5:13-20 Big Idea: Prayer is our connection to Jesus, our source of overcoming. 1. Prayer is the breath to our spiritual lungs. "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." - Martin Luther Psalm 5:1-3 2. Prayer anchors our humanity, and roots us in our humility. a. Prayer reveals our need…we are like everyone else. b. Prayer reveals our limits…and we can’t do it all. c. Prayer reveals our sins and weaknesses…. we need to confess to one another. ...
Sep 17, 2023•40 min
Revelation 12:11 James 5:7-12 The Big Idea: Perseverence is an active and focused spiritual discipline. The focus that fuels our perseverance: God’s promised deliverance “Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.” –Comte de Buffon Let’s talk about practicing patient engagement: 1. Perseverence knows that God’s deliverance is coming. (V7-9) 2. Perseverence knows that everyone matters to God. (V9) 3. Perseverence knows that God joins us in s...
Sep 10, 2023•44 min
Revelation 12:11 James 4:1-10 Big Idea: Overcomers fight the right enemy with the right tactics. • Fight the Flesh James 4:1-3 Acts 4:32 Galatians 5:17 “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.” - John Owen • Fight Worldliness James 4:4-6 1 John 2:16 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 • Fight the Devil James 4:7-10 "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love." - Billy Graham Matthew 13:24-30 "Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are wo...
Sep 03, 2023•40 min
Revelation 12:11 James 3:13-18 The Big Idea: Godly wisdom is transformational for everyone involved 1. The Birthmark of Wisdom is a Humility John 5:44 2. The Two Versions of wisdom a. Ungodly wisdom – resulting in a disordered soul b. God’s wisdom - resulting in human flourishing 3. The Fruit of Wisdom is a harvest of right relationships Proverbs 3:13-18 Response: • Ask God for wisdom • Commit to peacemaking • B.L.E.S.S. Your Oikos DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► This week's Passage: Ephesians 3:7-13 ► ...
Aug 27, 2023•41 min
Revelation 12:11 James 3:1-12 The Big Idea: Managing your mouth requires God’s constant help. Problem #1: Presumptive authority Problem #2: Your tongue is a very real and present danger. “You know the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I have no idea who came up with that. It’s simply not true at all. No one stays in a hospital with a broken bone forever, but the couches of counselors are dented by those who sit week after week searching for healing fro...
Aug 20, 2023•39 min
