For every generation there have been technological advances that tend to bring questions from the older people and quick acceptance from younger people. What does the use of technology look like in your life? Pastor James Granger encourages us to redeem technology we should choose to use it as a doorway for mission rather than judgement.
We treasure what God has said to us because it is a reminder that our lives are in the hands of a great God who cares for us. How can you engage with Scripture to gain a better understanding of the dignity and worth each of us have in Christ? Pastor Tony Pyle encourages us to remember that our faith and allegiance lie in Jesus and in His Word. We strive to believe the things God said in His Word, to remain steadfast when the world disagrees, then to engage and reflect God's love and goodness to ...
As a follower of Christ, we need to consider that our words have consequences. When you're feeling annoyed or angry, do you turn to God in lament, or do you grumble with those around you? Pastor Justin Detmers reminds us that in God we have an ever-present help in times of need. God isn't going to grow tired of our grumbling or begin to resent us, but He does call us to consider where our frustration is coming from and how we can bear His image in all circumstances.
We are faced with so many choices throughout our lives, some of which can bring joy, or guilt, or anxiety. What impacts your choices when you come up against a difficult decision? Pastor James Granger encourages us to let the wisdom of God become the core of our decision-making grid.
At the core of Christianity, we have been called to love God and love others. How can you consistently pursue this calling when the circumstances of life might leave you feeling stagnant or apathetic? Pastor Tony Pyle reminds us that none of us are immune to the emotional and spiritual peaks and valleys of life, but that God is with us through all of it. Whether you're in a season where you can see God's work in your life, or if you're wondering if He even cares anymore, God knows you, He loves ...
We have all been stupid in our lives, but like to present as knowing more than we do. How do your ideologies and thoughts impact your interacting with others? Riv's Pastoral Resident Hezekiah Trevino encourages us to accept that we don’t have all the answers because that forces us to trust in Jesus. We don’t have to know everything, because the Holy Spirit is our advocate.
We all know what we worship because it's usually what gives us the most anxiety. What in your life guides your decision making and adds to your stress? Pastor Noel Jesse Heikkinen reminds us that as Christian’s we are a people who have hope beyond this life. God sees your needs and isn’t freaking out, He’s asking you to trust Him.
In our pursuit for freedom, we risk confusing what it truly means for a follower of Christ. The freedom we have in Christ is not for our own gain, but to love and serve others. Pastor Justin Detmers reminds us that true freedom is not a license for selfishness, but a restraining power to love.
Most of us struggle with a combination of pride and shame that often results in a hyper-individualist outlook on life. How has an emphasis on individualism impacted your relationships with God and those around you? Pastor Tony Pyle reminds us that we all need community, and while it's not always easy to live dependent on others, it's what we're called to do as believers. We need connection with and counsel from our brothers and sisters, it's how God created us.
We are all recovering kids looking for healing that is found in Christ Jesus. What wounds from your childhood are you carrying through life? Pastor Young Yi encourages us that there is healing for us all in Jesus, no matter how deep the wounds go. As a recovering family, the church provides us with an incredible opportunity for the redemptive embracing of one another as we point to Jesus.
This side of glory, we all stumble. Do you find yourself asking “why am I not living the life I want to live?” Pastor Noel Jesse Heikkinen starts our series reminding us that the normal life experience of a follower of Jesus is to stumble; we stumble and Jesus looks on us with grace. We stumble onward, and one day none of this will matter; all that will matter is Jesus, He will wipe every tear, smash every idol, and wash away every blemish.
The end times written about in Scripture can be weird and crazy to read. How do you think about end times prophecy? Pastor Noel Jesse Heikkinen reminds us that we believe in a God that knows what is going to happen, is in control, and lives within us. Our God has been, is, and will be the greatest strength in our lives; we can rest in Him. We can be still because God still is.
In prayer, we often jump first into what we want, rather than looking to God for who He is. What do your prayers look like? Pastor Noel Jesse Heikkinen points to Daniel in giving a great model for prayer; read your bible, see what God says He's going to do, and then ask Him to do that. In your prayers, you can find rest in acknowledging God for who He is, and confessing to Him your sins.
As followers of Christ, we can trust the power, plan, and purposes of God above our own. How can you rest in God's sovereignty this week? Pastor Tony Pyle acknowledges that in times of trial and struggle we often find it increasingly difficult to cling to our hope in God. This week, as you work, as you play, as you laugh, as you mourn, let us have the truth of God’s sovereignty guide our steps, our thoughts, our words, and our actions.
We have a tendency to live our lives focused on the me, here, and now. As followers of Christ, we are called to live a different way. Pastor James Granger teaches through one of Daniel's visions and reminds us that this world is not our home. Sometimes life is not what we expected, yet we can remain faithful to God.
Most of us have had a time in our life where we felt totally trapped, backed into a corner, and wondering if God would come through. How do you typically respond when you're feeling this way? Ronnie Goble challenges us to consider how we might be tempted to trust in the wisdom of the world rather than Jesus when we face obstacles in our lives. When we seek God and His faithfulness in all circumstance, it will always lead to life.
We all face unique hardships in life. How can we be the kind of people that are faithful, resilient, and honorable when those circumstances come our way? Pastor Justin Detmers shares the narrative of Daniel in the lions den and reminds us that we aren't remarkable for our own glory but for God's glory. Jesus shut the mouth of sin, satan, and death, so that we can emerge unscathed and take the good news of God to the rest of the world.
Pride shows up in different ways for each of us, often through anger, apathy, or boasting. How and when does the sin of pride show up in your life? Pastor Tony Pyle challenges us to acknowledge and turn away from our pride and praise God for the good things in our lives. When we purse a life of humility, we remind ourselves and those around us of His sovereignty and power.
When things are crumbling around us, we tend to turn to our own power and ability to try to fix our circumstances. Where do you turn when life feels difficult or hopeless? Noah Filipiak, Pastor at Mosaic Church, reminds us of the consistent grace and hope we have in Jesus. We can turn to our Savior in all circumstances, will you humble yourself before God and accept His righteousness?
Through all of our hardship, we can find comfort and hope in God. In what areas of your life do you need to rest in the blessing of God's sovereignty? Pastor Tony Pyle reminds us that even when our lives feel difficult or things feel out of our control, God is still good. Even though God doesn't keep us from all hardship, He is always with us in it as we walk through it in His sovereignty.
We all have areas of life where we might feel proud of ourselves. Where do you let that overcome your humility in front of Jesus? Pastor Young Yi reminds us that it is ok to be needy in front of God, He desires that. You can let go of control by letting go of the pride you carry, and giving your shame and guilt to Jesus.
How we react to negative or difficult situations in our life can glorify God before those who witness our trials. Do you see the obstacles or times of persecution in your life as an opportunity to share the hope you've found in Jesus? Pastor Justin Detmers challenges us to rely on the power and glory of God to deliver us, and to stand firm in our faith despite our circumstances.
We all have something that pulls our loyalty from God. Are you tempted to exalt yourself through relationships, your career, or other self-promoting pursuits? Brendan Finnerty challenges us to look to the example we have in Jesus to align our hearts with God. When our loyalty to God costs us something we desire, we can be reminded of His goodness by remembering who He has been in the past and who He promises to be in the future.
All around us are things and people that pull for our attention and priority. Where does your allegiance lie in this life? Pastor Young Yi challenges us as God's people, to lean into God's Word and Spirit and never waiver in our allegiance in Him.
We all live in a crumbling and scattering world. How do you view the kingdoms around you? Pastor Noel Jesse Heikkinen challenges us to look at the kingdoms you build for your own fame and glory and realize that they are nothing compared to the coming kingdom of Jesus where He will rule and reign forever.
Historically, Christians often fall into the practice of drawing lines in wrong places or not drawing them at all. Have you taken time to consider each aspect of your life through your faith? The media we consume; the politics we hold; how we spend out time and money: they all can be shaped by our faith. Pastor Noel Jesse Heikkinen starts our new Still series by sharing how the old testament book of Daniel is a beautiful example of how to engage the culture around us while representing Jesus wel...
Self-control for the follower of Jesus looks like relinquishing control. What are some areas of your life you can let go of control and trust that God's plans are better? Pastor Young Yi challenges us to focus less on ourselves and more on others, remembering that we are called to a life that is bigger than our own desires and plan. As is with all of the other fruits of the Spirit, “self-control” is not just meant for the self, but rather, it is meant for the benefit and life of those around us....
As Christ-followers, we have been given a new identity that is from outside of ourselves. How then do we grow in self-control? Pastor Mark Brett concludes our series by reminding us that we are called to stumble together in community to love and live like Jesus. It is through others, the Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit that we are able to grow more and more like Jesus, embodying the fruit of the spirit in our lives.
Oftentimes the idea of self-control can contradict the way we want to live our lives because it goes against our primary goal of comfort. Pastor Tony Pyle asks if pleasure and comfort are the core values that we are called to pursue with our lives. Although it can feel like we're depriving ourselves of our desires, growing in self-control can move us toward a greater joy in God than any earthly comfort could provide.
We all have a driving force in our lives, for some of us it's impatience, self-protection, or the pursuit of success. What fuels your life? Pastor Noel Heikkinen reminds us that Jesus describes Himself as lowly and humble in heart, and calls us to be the same. Jesus wants you to take the rest He offers you and offer it to others.
