GCC Newton sermon audio: Recent Episodes
Grace Community Church (Newton, KS)
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What’s True in the Bible?
When the untouchables meet Jesus
1. Approach Jesus with humility and faith. (Luke 5:12)
2. Receive His compassion and healing. (Luke 5:13)
3. Own the mission to testify. (Luke 5:14 / Leviticus 13–14 / Hebrews 13:11–16)
What’s Real in my life?
• Have I ever been shunned like a leper? What was it like?
• Where do I need Jesus’ healing touch?
• Who are the “lepers” or untouchables in my life?
• Do I avoid them or show God’s love to them?
What’s Next?
• What would it look like for me to reach out and touch them?
• Ask God for a specific opportunity this week to encourage or minister to a “leper” in your life.
What’s True in the Bible?
When Jesus gets into your boat
1. Take a step of faith. (Luke 5:4–7)
2. Confess your fear and doubt. (Luke 5:8–10, 6:22–23)
3. Give it all for him. (Luke 5:10–11 / Acts 1:8)
What’s Real in my life?
• Do I believe that God has called me to join Him in His work?
• What fears and/or doubts are holding me back?
What’s Next?
• What step of faith is Jesus asking me to take this week?
What’s True in the Bible?
God uses prayer:
1. To renew our strength. (Mark 1:35, 9:25–29 / Matthew 14:23 / John 15:4–5)
2. To enrich our relationship. (Mark 1:35–37 / Matthew 6:6 / Luke 5:16 / James 4:8)
3. To reveal His direction. (Mark 1:38 / Luke 4:42–43 / James 1:5)
What’s Real in my life?
• What is the purpose of prayer?
• How would I categorize my prayers? (Are they mostly requests? Do I ever share my heart without making a request? Do I ever stop to listen?)
• How does prayer strengthen me spiritually?
• How does prayer deepen my relationship with God? (Do I truly feel closer to Him after prayer, or is it mainly a checklist or task-oriented discipline?)
What’s Next?
• Set aside 30 minutes to focus only on talking with God. Use 2–5 minutes of that time to be silent and listen; take note of your thoughts. Share your experience with a friend, and commit to enriching your relationship with God through prayer.
1. Love responds in relationship (Romans 5:8 / Romans 8:32 / 1 John 4:7)
2. Love requires a sacrifice (1 John 4:9–10)
3. Love reproduces new life (1 John 4:11)
What’s True in the Bible?
God’s glory is on display...
through our unity. (Romans 15:5)
through our purpose. (Romans 15:6)
through our hospitality. (Romans 15:7)
What’s Real in my life?
• How am I promoting unity with the people around me?
• How have I been a part of disunity in my relationships? What did I learn from that experience?
• When have I felt like I truly belonged? Why?
• What habits do I practice to create belonging for others?
What’s Next?
• Introduce yourself to someone sitting near you, get their name, and pray for them at least twice this week.
• Make plans to do lunch with someone from our church family next Sunday.
What’s True in the Bible?
We share God’s Word because it:
1. Teaches us truth. — Teaching (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. Stops us from hurting ourselves or others. — Reproof (2 Timothy 3:16)
3. Helps us get back up. — Correction (2 Timothy 3:16 / Psalm 66:18–20 / Romans 8:1)
4. Shows us how to live. — Training (2 Timothy 3:16)
What’s Real in my life?
• How often do I share God’s Word with others?
• How important is sharing it and why?
• How would I rate my comfortability and competency with sharing it?
• When it comes to teaching, reproof, correction, and training, do I lean heavily on one application more than another? Why and how so?
What’s Next?
• Take a truth from your reading this week and ask how you can use and share it for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
What’s Truein the Bible?
Truths about God’s Word
1. Reveals true justice. (Psalm 19:8a, 119:4)
2. Brings us joy. (Psalm 19:8b)
3. Motivated by pure love. (Psalm 12:6, 19:8c)
4. Gives us clear vision. (Psalm 19:8d)
What’s Realin my life?
• How does God’s Word inform us on what true justice is?
• How have I experienced joy from knowing God’s Word?
• Do I believe God’s motives are pure? Why or why not?
• How do God’s pure motives impact my receptivity to His Word?
What’s Next?
• Take an issue of injustice you are facing and search the Bible for insight. Answer, “Has God addressed this issue in the Bible? Does my understanding reflect God’s commandments and instruction? What can I do this week to promote biblical justice in this area?”
What’s Truein the Bible?
We cling to God’s Word because:
1. God’s law is perfect. (Psalm 19:7a)
2. God’s Word feeds our soul. (Psalm 12:6, 19:7b, 23:3)
3. God’s testimony is trustworthy. (Psalm 18:30, 19:7c, 93:5, 119:160 / Proverbs 30:5)
4. God’s Word makes us wise. (Psalm 19:7d, 119:98–100)
What’s Realin my life?
• With what do I feed my soul?
• How “sure” is God’s Word to me? Why?
• How do I know if I’m acting/thinking out of God’s wisdom and not my own?
What’s Next?
• Find a friend to work together through a reading plan, encouraging and holding one another accountable.
Introductory notes:
What’s True in the Bible?
Placing God’s voice in our lives
1. Hear God’s Word — Read it. (Psalm 1:2 / Deuteronomy 8:3 / Joshua 1:8 / Nehemiah 8:3 / Acts 2:42 / Romans 10:17, 15:4 / 1 Timothy 4:13)
2. Study God’s Word — Research it. (Psalm 1:2, 119:15, 18, 48, 97, 148 / 2 Timothy 2:15)
3. Remember God’s Word — Recite it. (Psalm 1:2, 119:11a / Proverbs 4:20–22 / Joshua 1:8)
4. Apply God’s Word — Reflect it. (Psalm 1:2, 119:11b / Matthew 7:24 / James 1:22)
What’s Real in my life?
• How often do I listen to God’s voice?
• What has been my favorite practice of connecting with God through His Word? How has that impacted my life?
• What is my life like when I’m not meditating on God’s instruction?
What’s Next?
• Create a pattern: Identify a space and time to consistently take in God’s Word without distraction.
What’s Truein the Bible?
1. Jesus heals with compassionate care. (Mark 1:29–31 / Matthew 8:14–15 / Luke 4:38–39)
2. Jesus heals with comprehensive power. (Mark 1:32–34a / Luke 4:39–40 / Matthew 8:16–17 / Isaiah 53:4–6)
3. Jesus has commissioned us to be his witnesses. (Mark 1:34b / Luke 4:41)
What’s Realin my life?
• What comforts you when you are sick?
• When you think of being healed—either physically or spiritually—by Jesus, how do you respond?
• How does knowing that Jesus is the ultimate healer change your perspective on sickness and affliction in this life?
What’s Next?
• Look for an opportunity to testify to the compassionate and comprehensive healing power of our Messiah, Jesus.
What’s True in the Bible?
Staying Healthy Like Jesus
1. Strive to be mentally healthy. (Proverbs 2:1–6, 9:10 / 1 Kings 3:16–28 / 2 Chronicles 1:7–12 / Psalm 119:98–100 / James 1:5)
2. Strive to be physically healthy. (1 Corinthians 6:12–13, 19–20 / Ephesians 2:10 / 1 Timothy 4:8)
3. Strive to be spiritually healthy. (2 Peter 3:18 / Psalm 139:23–24)
4. Strive to be relationally healthy. (Luke 2:52 / John 19:26–27 / Proverbs 1:10–16)
What’s Real in my life?
• How would I rate my overall health?
• Which of these areas (above) is God calling me to focus on this year?
What’s Next?
• Determine one practical step you can take to grow in each area of your life.
• Share your commitment with a friend for encouragement and accountability.
What’s Truein the Bible?
Why We Forgive
1. If you hold on to offenses, they will hold on to you. (Colossians 3:13 / Hebrews 12:15)
2. Forgiveness is not optional, but it is voluntary. (Colossians 3:13 / Matthew 6:12–15, 18:21–35 / Ephesians 4:30–5:1)
What’s Realin my life?
• What easily offends me?
• When is it difficult to forgive others? Why?
• Have I forgiven everybody in my life as God has forgiven me?
• What do I need to forgive “from the heart?”
What’s Next?
• Who do you need to forgive? Take the next step in forgiving them from the heart.
• How can you prepare yourself to respond to offenses with forgiveness? Write out a prayer that you can use for those situations.
What’s Truein the Bible?
How was I forgiven?
1. I felt deep conviction. (Colossians 3:13 / Psalm 38)
2. I expressed genuine confession. (Colossians 3:13 / Psalms 38:15–18; 51; 130:1–8)
3. I received undeserved forgiveness. (Colossians 1:13–14, 2:13–14, 3:13 / Psalm 32)
What’s Realin my life?
• What is my favorite forgiveness story? Why?
• When did I first realize God’s forgiveness in my life?
• When is it difficult to receive forgiveness?
• How would I explain conviction and confession in the life of a believer?
What’s Next?
• Take time to reflect on how God forgave/forgives you.
• What did/does it cost him? How does forgiveness reveal His love for you?
What’s True in the Bible?
How to respond to the wildfire of impatience
1. Stop and pray. (Colossians 3:12–13 / James 5:7 / Psalm 27:13–14, 40:1)
2. Drop your agenda. (Colossians 3:12–13 / 1 Timothy 1:16 / James 5:7–11 / 2 Peter 3:9)
3. Roll with God. (Colossians 3:12–13 / Psalm 130:5 / Isaiah 40:31, 49:23, 64:4 / 1 Corinthians 13:4 / Hebrews 6:12–15)
What’s Real in my life?
• How would I describe patience in my life?
• What circumstances or personalities make it hard for me to be patient?
What’s Next?
• Use the “stop, drop, and roll” technique the next time you feel impatience rising within you.
I. A few cultural reflections
II. Redefining meekness
III. Meekness in the Bible
A. Abraham, Genesis 13
B. Joseph, Genesis 45
C. David, 1 Samuel 24
D. Moses, Numbers 12:3
E. Jesus, Isaiah 53:7
IV. Tests of meekness
V. Cultivating meekness
What’s True in the Bible?
The true look of humility
1. Humility doesn’t stare in the mirror. (Colossians 2:20–23, 3:12 / James 4:6 / 1 Peter 5:5)
2. Humility bows down to God. (Colossians 3:12 / James 4:7 / Micah 6:8)
3. Humility admits its faults. (Colossians 3:12 / James 4:8–9 / 2 Chronicles 7:14)
4. Humility stands in the end. (Colossians 3:12 / James 4:10 / Psalms 18:27, 147:6 / Proverbs 3:34 / Isaiah 66:2)
What’s Real in my life?
• When do I have an inflated or negative view of myself? Why?
• When is it difficult to do what I feel God wanting me to do?
• How do I know if I’m submitting to God when I’m not even sure what He wants?
What’s Next?
• When you feel yourself focusing too much on yourself, take a moment to think about Jesus—what He did and what He wants.
• If you have an opportunity to admit a weakness or fault, don’t be too proud to share. Putting on humility isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
What’s True in the Bible?
Always On — Standing Firm
1. Belt of truth: Honesty (Ephesians 6:14 / Isaiah 11:5, 59:14–15)
2. Breastplate of righteousness: Obedience (Ephesians 6:14 / Isaiah 59:14–17 / 1 Thessalonians 5:8 / Romans 13:12–14)
3. Shoes of readiness: Witness (Ephesians 6:15 / Isaiah 52:7 / Romans 10:13–17)
In the Moment — Withstanding the Attack
4. Shield of faith: Trust (Ephesians 6:16 / Hebrews 11:1, 6 / 1 Peter 1:7–9)
5. Helmet of salvation: Hope (Ephesians 6:17 / John 10:27–30 / 2 Corinthians 4:7–10 / 1 Thessalonians 5:8–11 / Titus 2:12–13)
6. Sword of the Spirit: Bible (Ephesians 6:14 / 2 Timothy 2:15)
What’s Real in my life?
• What lies or discouragement do I wrestle with?
• How trained am I at using God’s Word for life’s trials and challenges?
• What Bible truth keeps me trusting in God?
What’s Next?
• Search the Bible for truths that correlate with your specific challenges, write them down, place them around your home, and memorize them. Recite them out loud whenever discouragement or doubt comes your way.
• Share your doubts and struggles with a close Christian friend (or friends), and commit to praying about them each week.
What’s True in the Bible?
Always On — Standing Firm
1. Belt of truth: honesty (Ephesians 6:14 / Isaiah 11:5, 59:14–15)
2. Breastplate of righteousness: obedience (Ephesians 6:14 / Isaiah 59:14–17 / 1 Thessalonians 5:8 / Romans 13:12–14)
3. Shoes of readiness: witness (Ephesians 6:15 / Isaiah 52:7 / Romans 10:13–17)
What’s Real in my life?
• How do I evaluate what I say and believe compared to how I actually live?
• Is there any area of sin in my life that is keeping me from standing firm in the battle?
• Am I prepared with the Gospel, ready to fight for God’s kingdom?
What’s Next?
• Prayerfully evaluate how ready you are for the spiritual warfare around you.
• Take your next steps to be an honest and obedient witness.
What’s True in the Bible?
1. Jesus’ teaching has power to transform your life. (Mark 1:21–22 / Luke 4:31–32)
2. We cannot avoid spiritual battles. (Mark 1:23a / Luke 4:33a / Ephesians 4:26–27, 6:11–12 / 1 Peter 5:8)
3. Jesus has power over your demons. (Mark 1:23b–28 / Luke 4:33b–37)
What’s Real in my life?
• How is Jesus’ teaching powerful in my life?
• What is my experience with spiritual warfare?
• Is there ongoing sin or occult practices in my life or in the lives of those over me?
What’s Next?
• Submit to Jesus’ authority, and ask God to protect you spiritually from the lies and attacks of the enemy in your life.
What’s True in the Bible?
1. Get dusty. (Mark 1:17 / Luke 10:39 / Acts 22:3 / Mishnah, Avot 1:4; Shabbat 3:3, 12:15)
2. Catch people. (Mark 1:14–20)
What’s Real in my life?
• How is “sitting at Jesus’ feet” different than mimicking His actions? How do I do either regularly?
• Where do I “go fishing?” What has proven to be the most effective?
What’s Next?
• Evaluate how you learn and apply Jesus’ teaching. Is there an imbalance between learning and applying? Take a step to balance your walk with Jesus.
• Pick on place to “go fishing” this week and pray every day until you do.
What’s True in the Bible?
1. Jesus’ mission was to set people free. (Luke 4:16–21 / Isaiah 61:1–2)
2. Jesus’ mission is bigger than you. (John 4:22–30)
What’s Real in my life?
• What do I like about Jesus’ mission (Isaiah 61:1–2)? Have I been “set free?”
• Have I ever been angry with God? Why?
• If God blesses “them” and not me or my loved ones, what is my response?
What’s Next?
• Join Jesus in His mission to set people free.
• Pick three people in your community with whom you will share the liberating message of the gospel.
What’s True in the Bible?
Reaching the Next Generations
We intentionally pass on our faith to the coming generations, no matter the sacrifice. If we don’t, our church will die.
We’ll reach them with the Truth.
1. Let them feel you love it. (Deuteronomy 6:5–6 / Psalm 119:46–48)
2. Let them hear you speak it. (Deuteronomy 6:7 / Psalm 71:17–18; 78:4–8; 102:18–22)
3. Let them see you live it. (Deuteronomy 6:8–9 / John 13:35 / Ephesians 3:21)
What’s Real in my life?
• Who are the younger people in my life?
• How am I reaching them?
• How important is it to me to reach the next generations
What’s Next?
• Pray for the younger people in your life, and that God would use you to fill them with truth and hope.
• Volunteer your time, talents, and treasures to reach the next generations through GraceKids, Awana, or other ministry efforts.
What’s True in the Bible?
Owning the Mission
We are the church—we each have a unique responsibility to share the gospel in our circles of influence and beyond. No exception.
1. We are the church—... (1 Peter 2:9–10 / 1 Corinthians 12:12–27)
2. ... we each have a unique responsibility to share the gospel... (1 Peter 4:10–11 / 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, 11)
3. ... in our circles of influence and beyond. ... (Luke 10:25–37 / Acts 1:6–8 / 3 John 5–8)
4. ... No exception. (Ephesians 4:11–16)
What’s Real in my life?
• Does my life show that I love God, love people, and lead others to do the same? In what ways?
• What specific gifts, skills, and passions has God given me to use for his glory and for the good of the kingdom?
• What unique opportunities do I have to share the gospel with the people around me?
• What excuses have I been making that are holding me back from being a more active participant in God’s mission for our church?
What’s Next?
• Identify where you fall on a scale from mission consumer to participant to owner.
• Identify and take a practical next step to move more into owning the mission.
What’s True in the Bible?
Pursuing Authentic Community
We build belonging by gladly sharing our lives together, even when life is hard—and that’s when it matters most.
A Great Example
The believers pursued...
1) The apostles’ teaching
2) The fellowship
3) The breaking of bread
4) The prayers
What’s Real in my life?
• Who are my people when life gets hard?
• How do I seek to include others in authentic community?
• Do I have a “what’s mine is yours” attitude about my possessions?
What’s Next?
• Where do I struggle to be authentic with my church community, and how can I move towards being more real?
• What are some spiritual and material blessings that God has given me that I need to gladly share with others?
What’s True in the Bible?
Upholding Biblical Integrity
We are unashamed in our devotion to the truth and authority of the Bible. If we get this right, everything else follows; if we get this wrong, nothing else matters.
1. How did Jesus view the Scriptures? (John 5:39 / Matthew 5:17 / Luke 24:44–46)
2. How did the Apostles view the Scriptures? (1 Corinthians 14:37 / 2 Timothy 3:14–17 / 2 Peter 1:16–21)
3. What happens if we get this wrong? (Judges 17–21 / Jeremiah 36:29–31 / Matthew 7:24–27)
What’s Real in my life?
• Why do I trust or not trust the Scriptures?
• How is God changing the way I live through His Word?
• Why is it important that the Bible be the basis for our beliefs?
What’s Next?
• Identify one area of life where you are not upholding Biblical integrity (e.g. money, relationships, food or substances, time), and ask yourself, “Why is it so hard to follow God’s direction in this area?”
• Take that matter to God in prayer and follow through in obedience.
What’s True in the Bible?
The Life of Faith
1. When Jesus is familiar, faith depreciates. (John 4:43–44)
2. When faith is tested, it reveals. (John 4:45–48)
3. When faith is applied, it saves. (John 4:49–54)
What’s Real in my life?
• Does my relationship with God feel like it’s in a rut? • How is my faith being tested right now?
• What is that revealing about my trust in God?
What’s Next?
• Go home, be honest about where you are not fully trusting God, find out what the Bible says about it, and take a leap of faith, taking God at His Word.
What’s True in the Bible?
Four Questions for Every Follower of Jesus
1. Does Jesus’ mission confuse me? (John 4:27–33)
2. Does Jesus’ mission satisfy me? (John 4:34, 36)
3. Does Jesus’ mission include me? (John 4:35–38)
4. Do I own my faith? (John 4:39–42)
What’s Real in my life?
• Do I understand Jesus’ mission in the world? What is my part?
• Is doing God’s will as essential to me as eating? How so?
• Is my faith completely my own, or am I leaning on the faith of others?
What’s Next?
• Ask God to search your heart and reveal your desire and commitment to joining His mission.
• Share your faith with at least two people who may not know Jesus.
What’s True in the Bible?
We pursue the lost by:
1. Overcoming prejudice. (John 4:4–9 / Philippians 2:3)
2. Addressing their needs. (John 4:10–18)
3. Sharing the Truth. (John 4:19–26, 14:6, 17:17 / Ephesians 4:15–29 / 1 Peter 3:15)
What’s Real in my life?
• How often do I share my faith with non-believers? Why?
• In what places am I intentionally looking for lost people to share my faith with?
• What differences are the most difficult to overcome when sharing my faith with others? (political, cultural, etc.)
What’s Next?
• Ask God to bring on person to mind to share your faith with this week.
• Pray for that person each day. If no person comes to mind, pray for God to open opportunities to share your faith in the places you go.
• Begin the interactions with common ground and compassion, then offer “living water.”
If you are in Christ, you have 1) more value, 2) more freedom, and 3) more potential than you can imagine.
- More Value
a. There is no greater price than what God has paid for you in Jesus.
b. Let your value be determined by Jesus.
- More Freedom
a. Although sin is possible, it should no longer be normal or expected in our lives.
b. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
- More Potential
a. God intends to transform us into the image of Jesus.
b. Our imagination of what is possible in our lives—because Christ is in us—must be expanded.
What’s True in the Bible?
What Christians Need for Ministry
1. We need a collaborative spirit. (John 3:27 / Luke 9:49–50)
2. We need a proper understanding. (John 3:28 / Luke 9:23 / 1 Corinthians 12:5 / 2 Timothy 4:5 / Colossians 4:17)
3. We need a joyful perspective. (John 3:29 / Philippians 4:4 / 1 Thessalonians 5:16)
4. We need a humble attitude. (John 3:30 / Proverbs 22:4 / Luke 14:7–11 / Philippians 2:3 / 1 Peter 5:5–7)
5. We need to believe AND obey. (John 3:31–36 / James 1:22–25, 2:14–20)
What’s Real in my life?
• In what ways have I served in Christian ministry?
• What is my heart attitude while serving and working with others?
• What is my true motivation for serving others?
• How am I weaving ministry into my everyday life and work?
What’s Next?
• How is God calling me to join Jesus’ mission right now?
What’s True in the Bible?
1. Reject unfair treatment. (Acts 10:25–27 / 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 / James 2:1–4)
2. Acknowledge the problem. (Acts 10:28 / James 2:8–9)
3. Give a listening ear. (Acts 10:29–33 / James 1:19–20)
4. Overcome with Gospel living. (Acts 10:34–48)
What’s Real in my life?
• Have I ever been treated unfairly? How did it make me feel?
• How do I address prejudice?
• How do I help the unsafe, unheard, or unwanted?
What’s Next?
• How can I be a godly voice and presence in my circles of influence? How can I personally overcome prejudice?
What’s True in the Bible?
An Interview about Faith and Salvation
1. Believing in Jesus changes you. (John 3:8)
2. Believing in Jesus saves you. (John 3:13–17)
3. We reject the truth because we don’t want to change. (John 3:19)
4. We avoid the truth because we don’t want to be exposed. (John 3:20)
5. We come to the truth because we want to be changed. (John 3:21 / 1 Peter 2:9 / Isaiah 9:2 / 1 John 1:6 / Psalm 139:23–24)
What’s Real in my life?
• How has faith in Jesus influenced or changed the way I live?
• When have the social ramifications or personal implications made it hard for me to follow God’s direction in the Bible?
• When have I been “exposed” and received healing and grace from God?
What’s Next?
• Expose one area of your life that needs to change: confess it before God, then commit to a plan to change it.
1. Peace challenged. (Why we need Peace)
2. Peace contrasted. (Where not to get Peace)
3. Peace confirmed. (Who gives real Peace)
a. Peace with God
b. Peace of God
Why is Mister Rogers having a moment right now?
- We desperately need him and what he stood for.
• Question from Mister Rogers: Who has loved you into being?
• Brilliant question:
- We are NOT self-made!
- Fronts love.
- Being > Doing
• Big Idea: No one has loved you into being more than Jesus.
Colossians 1:15–22
• Jesus...
- Created you into being
- Holds you into being
- Leads you into being
- Reconciles you into being
- ... all because of love.
What’s True in the Bible?
Continue in Prayer (v. 2)
• Being steadfast
• Being watchful
• Being thankful
Share Your Faith (vv. 3–6)
• Pray purposefully
- For open doors (v. 3)
- For gospel clarity (v. 4)
• Walk wisely (v. 5)
• Speak graciously (v. 6)
What’s Real in my life?
• In what ways am I growing in my habit of prayer?
• Do my actions and my words work together to testify to God’s grace? Am I relying too heavily on one or the other (actions or words)?
What’s Next?
• Who will I commit to pray for, asking God for an open door to share my faith?
What’s True in the Bible?
If Jesus Inspected Your Life
1. What would He find? (John 2:13–14)
2. What would He remove? (John 2:15–17)
3. How much power does He have? (John 2:18–22)
What’s Real in my life?
• What do I think about Jesus aggressively clearing out the temple?
• What would Jesus remove if He visited my “home”?
• What authority does Jesus have in my day-to-day living?
What’s Next?
• What do I need to drive out of my life to clear the way for God’s plan?
What’s True in the Bible?
How to Receive God’s Best for Your Life
1. Recognize your need, and bring it to Jesus. (John 2:1–3)
2. Listen to His direction, and put it into action. (John 2:4–8)
3. See God move, and grow in your faith. (John 2:9–11)
What’s Real in my life?
• Where do I go when the “wine” runs out?
• Have I been dragging my feet on something that God has asked me to do? Why?
• In what special ways have I seen God move, and how did that impact my faith?
What’s Next?
• What need can I bring to Jesus?
What’s True in the Bible
Jacob’s Dream (Genesis 28:10–19)
Jesus’ Disciples (John 1:35–51)
Connecting the Two Stories
1. Jesus still makes Himself known. (John 1:35, 47–49 / Genesis 28:12–13, 16–19)
2. Jesus still calls us to follow. (John 1:38–39, 42–43 / Genesis 28:14–15)
3. Jesus still bridges the gap. (John 1:50–51 / Genesis 28:12 & 15)
What’s Real in my life?
• How has God shown Himself to me recently?
• How do I personally stay connected with God, despite all the noise and distraction around me?
What’s Next?
• In what ways is He calling me to follow Him today?
• Who can I “bring” to Jesus this week? (John 1:42, 46)
What’s True in the Bible?
How we fight temptation
1. When you are full of the Spirit, you will be tempted in the flesh. (Luke 4:1–2 / Deuteronomy 9:13–20)
2. We fight temptation with a heart and mind full of God’s Word. (Luke 4:3–12 / Psalm 2:7–8; 119:9–11 / John 12:31 / Ephesians 2:2)
3. We fight temptation preemptively and by embracing sacrifice. (Luke 4:5–8; 11:4 / Romans 13:13–14 / 1 Corinthians 10:13)
4. Where we failed, Jesus overcame. (Luke 4:13 / Genesis 3:6–7)
What’s Real in my life?
• How am I filling my heart and mind with God’s Word?
• How does Jesus’ victory encourage my struggle with sin?
• What could God be preparing me for this summer?
What’s Next?
• What boundaries or commitments can I make to prepare me to resist future temptation?
What’s True in the Bible?
How we fight temptation
1. When you are full of the Spirit, you will be tempted in the flesh. (Luke 4:1–3)
What’s Real in my life?
• When am I caught off-guard by temptation?
• How am I filling my heart and mind with God’s Word?
• How does Jesus’ victory encourage my struggle with sin?
What’s Next?
• Do I need to get baptized?
• What boundaries or commitments can I make to prepare me to resist future temptation?
What’s True in the Bible?
1. Preparation begins with repentance. (Luke 3:3–6; 16:16)
2. Repentance produces a godly life. (Luke 3:7–9 / Ezekiel 11:19–20)
3. God wants to transform your life. (Luke 3:10–18 / John 15:8)
What’s Real in my life?
What has prepared me for the message of Christ? How so?
What does repentance look like for me on a practical level?
How does my life communicate the possibility for change in others?
What’s Next?
Privately: What do I need to repent from right now? What does “turning from” that look like?
How can I encourage repentance in those closest to me?
What’s True in the Bible?
1. Motherhood is honored by God. (Ephesians 6:2–3 / Proverbs 23:33 / 1 Timothy 5:2–8)
2. Motherhood is a complex blessing. (1 Samuel 1:2–10, 12–16 / Isaiah 40:11, 41:10 / Psalm 32:8, 34:18 / 2 Corinthians 9:8)
3. Motherhood isn’t only about mothers. (1 Samuel 1:11, 18–28 / Romans 16:13)
What’s Real in my life?
In what ways has my mother been a positive influence in my life?
How have other women been “motherly” to me?
What’s Next?
How can I show appreciation to my mother or the mother of my kinds in a special way this month?
[If you are a woman...] How can I be motherly figure in someone else’s life?
What’s True in the Bible?
How did Jesus grow up?
1. He listened to others and engaged in learning. (Luke 2:46–47 / Proverbs 1:7, 4:7)
2. He embraced his purpose while submitting to authority. (Luke 2:48–51 / John 6:38, 12:49, 14:31 / 1 Peter 2:13–17 / Ephesians 6:1–3 / Titus 3:1)
3. He influenced others without being in charge. (Luke 2:47, 51–52 / 1 Timothy 4:12)
What’s Real in my life?
Have I fully embraced God’s calling on my life?
How do I relate to the authority figures/structures in my life? Does it mimic how Jesus did it?
What’s Next?
What can I do to emulate Jesus’ growth in my context?
How can I faithfully lead others when I’m not in charge? Who would that be?
What’s True in the Bible?
How did Jesus grow up?
1. He listened to others and engaged in learning. (Luke 2:46–47 / Proverbs 1:7, 4:7)
2. He embraced his purpose while submitting to authority.(Luke 2:49–51)
3. He influenced others without being in charge. (Luke 2:47, 51–52 / 1 Timothy 4:12)
What’s Real in my life?
In what area of my life am I trying to grow the most?
When have I averted trouble because I stopped to listen?
Have I fully embraced God’s calling on my life?
How do I relate to the authority figures/structures in my life? Does it mimic how Jesus did it?
What’s Next?
What can I do to emulate Jesus’ growth in my context?
How can I lead others when I’m not in charge? Who would that be?
What’s True in the Bible
1. God blesses me in the midst of conflict. (Psalm 23:5; 45:7; 78:19; 133:2; 141:5 / 2 Samuel 17:27-29 / Luke 7:46 / John 6:51)
2. God’s generosity exceeds my capacity. (Psalm 23:5; 16:5 / Luke 6:38 / Acts 20:35 / 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:11 / Ephesians 1:3 / Philippians 4:19 / James 1:17)
3. God’s persistent love gives me hope for each day. (Psalm 23:6; 25:7; 27:4; 31:19 / Romans 8:28 / 2 Corinthians 4:16)
What’s Real in my life?
How has God blessed me in the midst of conflict?
Where do I go when my cup is empty?
What gives me hope for today and tomorrow?
What does hope look like in my life?
What’s Next?
How can I remind myself each day of God’s goodness and mercy?
How can I share the blessings and hope that God gives me?
What’s True in the Bible
1. God walks with us through every valley. (Psalm 23:4)
2. God protects us when we’re in danger. (Psalm 23:4)
What’s Real in my life?
Do I really believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Why?
What does belief in His resurrection mean for my life?
Does His resurrection sooth my fear or anxiety? How so?
What’s Next?
How can I trust Jesus to comfort me in my darkest moments?
What godly habit could I cultivate to help me turn to Jesus instead of fear?