Heading 3 Sherilyn Schaeffer The Journey Christian Counseling

Steve Safety Coordinator Steve Tiesenga Steve and his wife, Tanya, live in Byron Center and have been married since 1996. They have four children: Ashley (Scott), Drew, Troy (Eliana), and Kate. Before coming to Peace, Steve and his family served as missionaries in Uganda for about seven years. He works as a Tool & Equipment Coordinator at Buist Electric, a role he has held for two decades. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, working on his ‘86 Bronco II, and being outdoors. One of his favorite Bible passages is Philippians 4:4-7. Contact Facilities Department

The Warning of Justice November 10, 2024 The Warning of Justice Sermon Series: Obadiah Download PDF Obadiah 1:10-18 Main Idea God's justice is found in His judgement. Outline 1. God judges sin of omission (vv10-11) 2. God judges sin of commission (vv12-14) 3. God judges sin to bring justice (vv15-16) 4. God judges sin to bring restoration (vv17-18) Discussion Questions In verses 10-11, Edom is condemned for standing by and doing nothing while Jerusalem was attacked. How does this concept of “sin by omission” challenge our understanding of responsibility toward others? Reflect on James 4:17, which states, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” How can this verse encourage us to be more proactive in our relationships and communities? In verses 12-14, Edom actively participated in Israel’s suffering. How does this show the destructive impact of actions taken against others, even if indirectly? Consider Proverbs 24:17-18, which warns against rejoicing in someone else’s downfall. How can we guard our hearts against this attitude, especially in a culture that sometimes celebrates others’ misfortune? Verses 17-18 describe a future where Israel is restored. How does this promise of restoration after judgment reflect God’s ultimate purpose for redemption? Read 1 Peter 5:10, which says that after we have suffered, God will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us. How does God’s promise of restoration encourage you in your faith journey, especially during times of hardship? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

Yes and Amen to the Promise of Mercy March 24, 2024 Yes and Amen to the Promise of Mercy Sermon Series: Always Yes Download PDF Matthew 20:29-34 Main Idea Jesus, our triumphant king, is God's yes and amen to the promise of mercy Outline 1. Broken or blinded by sin we need to see our need for mercy (29-30) 2. Rejected or reviled by people we still need to seek the mercy of Jesus (31) 3. Busy or burdened to mission, Jesus will stop to show us mercy (32-34) Discussion Questions 1. In which areas of your life do you think sin blinds you? (If you're not sure ask your spouse or a close friend) 2. In Matthew 20:30 & 31 the blind men call out to the Son of David. What is the significance of this (read 2 Samuel 7)? 3. Our world tells us that we're not "blind," and that we're good. Like the crowds, when the world tries to silence us, what should be our response? 4. In this passage we see that God isn't too busy for the blind men. With what thing - this week - do you need to trust that God isn't too buys for you? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

The News to His People (The Shepherds) December 15, 2024 The News to His People (The Shepherds) Sermon Series: Go Tell It On The Mountain Download PDF Luke 2:8-20 Main Idea The shepherd's reaction to Jesus' birth shows us our response to Christmas should lead us to Christ, to testify, and to worship. Outline 1. They run to his side (vv8-16) 2. They re-tell his story (vv17-19) 3. They rejoice in his birth (vv20) Discussion Questions In verses 8-16, the shepherds receive the angel’s message and immediately go to find Jesus. What does their prompt response teach us about obedience and eagerness in seeking Christ? Reflect on James 1:22, which encourages us to be doers of the word and not hearers only. How can we apply this principle when we sense God prompting us to act? After seeing Jesus, the shepherds spread the word about what had been told them concerning this child. How does their example inspire us to share our faith and experiences with others? Consider 1 Peter 3:15, which urges believers to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope they have. What are some practical ways you can share the story of Jesus in your community? How can you share the story of Jesus’ impact on your life with others during this Christmas season? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

The Beauty and Truth of Heaven April 21, 2024 The Beauty and Truth of Heaven Sermon Series: The Church Never Preaches On... Download PDF Revelation 21:1-5 Main Idea Heaven is another reminder that the best is yet to come Outline 1. The Heaven that there currently is. (v1) 2. The Heaven that there will be. (v2-5) Discussion Questions 1. Who is heaven for? 2. In what ways did this sermon challenge your view of Heaven? 3. How does Hebrews 12:22–25 connect to Revelation 21:1-5? 4. How is heaven a real future place and a real current reality? Read Ephesians 2:4–6 and discuss. Looking Forward Prayer Focus

David & Bathsheba March 2, 2025 David & Bathsheba Sermon Series: Standalone Download PDF 2 Samuel 11 Main Idea Jesus is better than sin. Outline Sin is attractive (vv1-5). Sin is relentless (vv6-25). Sin is victorious (vv26-27). Discussion Questions Sin Is Attractive (2 Samuel 11:1-5) David remained in Jerusalem while his army went to battle. How does idleness or neglect of responsibilities make us more susceptible to temptation? What steps can we take to remain vigilant and avoid situations where we might be tempted? Sin Is Relentless (2 Samuel 11:6-25) After committing adultery, David attempted to cover up his sin, leading to further wrongdoing. How can one sin lead to a cycle of additional sins? What are some practical ways to address sin immediately, rather than allowing it to escalate? Sin Is Victorious (2 Samuel 11:26-27) Despite David’s efforts to conceal his actions, the passage notes that “the thing David had done displeased the Lord.” How does unrepented sin affect our relationship with God? Why is it important to confront and confess our sins, even when we think they’ve been hidden successfully? Jesus Is Better Than Sin In light of this story, how does the grace offered through Jesus provide a path to redemption and restoration? How can we rely on our faith in Christ to overcome temptations and make righteous choices? Application Questions Personal Reflection Identify areas in your life where you might be vulnerable to temptation. What proactive measures can you implement to guard against falling into sin? Community Support How can we, as a faith community, support one another in maintaining accountability and pursuing holiness? Embracing Forgiveness Reflect on a time when you sought forgiveness for a wrongdoing. How did embracing God’s grace impact your life, and how can you extend that grace to others? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

Missional Decline v.s. The Word of God March 17, 2024 Missional Decline v.s. The Word of God Sermon Series: Withstand Download PDF Ephesians 6:17B-20 Main Idea Your effectiveness in spiritual warfare is connected to your depth of spiritual intimacy Outline 1. Effectiveness in Spiritual Warfare 2. Deepening your Spiritual Intimacy Discussion Questions 1. The main idea of the message today was, "Your effectiveness in spiritual warfare is connected to your depth of spiritual intimacy." Do you feel like that is true? How do you see that play out in your life? 2. The passage emphasizes the importance of "praying at all times in the Spirit." Discuss how prayer strengthens our spiritual intimacy and equips us for spiritual warfare. How can we cultivate a consistent prayer life? 3. Paul asks for prayers that he may "declare [the gospel] boldly, as I ought to speak." How can we overcome fear or hesitation to boldly proclaim the gospel in our own lives? Discuss ways we can support and encourage each other in this mission. 4. Psalm 1 says that believers ought to delight in the law [scripture] daily. When Jesus was in any crisis he went back to scripture (Matthew 4:4, Matthew 21:13, Matthew 27:46, Luke 4:18-19). What does this show us about how Jesus delighted in scripture? What does that show us about our relationship with scripture should be? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

The Fight Is Now February 2, 2025 The Fight Is Now Sermon Series: Contender Download PDF Jude 1-4 Main Idea We are to contend for the faith because the fight is now. Outline Discussion Questions Understanding the Call to Contend Jude urges believers to ‘contend for the faith.’ What does this mean in practical terms for your daily life? In what ways can we actively defend and uphold our faith within our communities? Recognizing Internal Threats Jude warns about individuals who ‘pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.’ How can we identify and address such distortions within the church? What steps can we take to ensure that we uphold the true message of grace without compromising on holiness? Facing External Challenges Pastor Ryan highlighted opposition from the world, the flesh, and spiritual forces. How do these external challenges manifest in today’s society? How can we equip ourselves to stand firm against these challenges while maintaining a Christ-like attitude? The Importance of Unity and Awareness Why is unity among believers crucial when contending for the faith? How can we foster greater awareness and discernment within our church community to recognize and address false teachings? Pursuing Holiness In what ways does pursuing personal holiness strengthen our collective ability to contend for the faith? What practical steps can we take to grow in holiness and encourage others to do the same? Personal Reflection Reflect on areas in your life where you might have compromised your faith. How can you realign with the call to contend for the faith earnestly? Community Engagement How can you contribute to building a unified and discerning church community that stands firm against false teachings? Action Steps Identify one specific action you can take this week to uphold and defend your faith in your personal or professional life. Looking Forward Prayer Focus

Cookies Policy

Eric Men's Ministry Coordinator Eric Westendorp Eric has been attending Peace since 2023 and joined the staff in 2024. Originally from Nashville, Michigan, he is married to his wife, Heidi, and they have two children: Laim and Brynlee. Eric enjoys camping with his family, watching MSU sports, and working at his family's business. His favorite Bible passage is Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Contact the Family Ministry Admin

Ungrateful November 24, 2024 Ungrateful Sermon Series: Standalone Download PDF Romans 1:18-23 Main Idea Will you TRUST and THANK God when it is hard? Outline 1) To he ungrateful...is to reject God 2) To he ungrateful...is to worship something else Discussion Questions Verse Focus: Romans 1:21 – “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” •How does failing to acknowledge God in gratitude lead to a spiritual drift, as described in this verse? •Read James 1:17, which says every good gift comes from God. How does remembering this truth help us combat an ungrateful heart? •Why is gratitude essential to maintaining a right relationship with God, especially when life is hard? Verse Focus: Romans 1:23 – “And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.” •How does a lack of gratitude lead to idolatry or misplaced worship? What are some modern-day “idols” that people might worship instead of God? •Reflect on Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Why is God’s call to worship Him alone tied to trust and thankfulness? •In what ways can gratitude act as a safeguard against idolatry in your life? Looking Forward Prayer Focus