Who is the Greatest? July 28, 2024 Who is the Greatest? Sermon Series: It Had To Be Said Download PDF Matthew 18:1-6 Main Idea Jesus calls his disciples to be like children, receive children, and to protect children. Outline 1. Be like children (vv1-4) 2. Receive children (v5) 3. Protect children (v6) Discussion Questions What does Jesus mean when He says we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven? How do you define greatness in your own life? How does this align or contrast with Jesus' definition? Can you share an example from your life where you chose humility over self-promotion? What was the outcome? In what ways can we cultivate a childlike faith and trust in our relationship with God? How can our group encourage and practice servant leadership within our church and community? What specific actions can we take to put others first? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

Government is God's Appointment February 22, 2026 Government is God's Appointment Sermon Series: Like It Or Not Download PDF Romans 13:1-10 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. 8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Main Idea Like it or not, government is God's appointment. Outline THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S AUTHORITY (VV1-2) THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S AVENGER (VV3-4) THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S ATTENDANTS (VV5-7) THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S ADMONISHMENT (VV8-10) Discussion Questions THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S AUTHORITY (VV1-2) What does it mean that authorities are “instituted by God”? What is the connection between resisting government and resisting God? How does remembering that Paul wrote this under Emperor Nero shape how you understand this passage? What makes submission to authority difficult in our current cultural climate? How can we tell when our primary allegiance has shifted from God’s Kingdom to a political identity? In what ways are you tempted to speak about governing authorities without “respect and honor” (v.7)? What would it look like for your political engagement to visibly reflect submission to God first? THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S AVENGER (VV3-4) How does government function as “God’s servant”? Why is it hard for Christians to think of government as an instrument of God? How does maintaining law and order connect to loving our neighbor? How can Christians support justice and order without confusing the government with the Kingdom of God? What are practical ways to contribute to a just and civil society? THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S ATTENDANTS (VV5-7) Why is paying taxes included as part of Christian obedience? What does it look like to “pay respect” even when you disagree strongly? How might your online speech reflect (or fail to reflect) Romans 13:7? THE GOVERNMENT IS GOD’S ADMONISHMENT (VV8-10) How does obeying just laws express love for neighbor? What are examples of everyday obedience that actually protects others? How can Christians disagree politically while still loving well? Looking Forward What is one practical way you can demonstrate Kingdom citizenship this week? Prayer Focus Pray for our national, state, and local leaders — that they would be righteous instruments of justice. Pray for a heart that honors authority without idolizing it. Pray for wisdom to discern when to submit and when to stand firm. Pray for protection from political idolatry. Pray that Peace Church would be known more for the Gospel than for political affiliation. Pray for courage to speak truth with humility. Pray for love to govern your speech, especially online. Pray that Christ’s Kingdom would advance regardless of who holds office.

From Rejected to Restored March 16, 2025 From Rejected to Restored Sermon Series: The Reversal Download PDF John 5:1-18 Main Idea The Gospel brings us from rejected to restored Outline Christ sees you when you are unnoticed (vv1-9) when you are unknowing (vv9-15) when you are unable (vv16-18) Discussion Questions Christ sees you when you are unnoticed (John 5:1-9) The passage describes a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years, lying by the pool of Bethesda, largely unnoticed by others. How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus notices those whom society often overlooks? In what ways have you experienced Jesus noticing you during times when you felt unnoticed or insignificant? Christ sees you when you are unknowing (John 5:9-15) After healing the man, Jesus later finds him in the temple and advises him to sin no more. How does this interaction demonstrate Jesus’ concern for both our physical and spiritual well-being? Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually unknowing or uncertain? How can you seek Jesus’ guidance and wisdom in these areas? Christ sees you when you are unable (John 5:16-18) The healed man was unable to help himself into the healing waters, yet Jesus intervened. How does this illustrate Jesus’ power to assist us in our helplessness? Can you share a time when you felt unable to overcome a challenge, and Jesus provided the strength or solution you needed? Application Questions Identify areas in your life where you feel rejected or in need of restoration. How can you invite Jesus into these situations to experience his healing and acceptance? How can our church community become more attentive to those who feel unnoticed or rejected, offering them a sense of belonging and restoration? What practical steps can you take this week to extend Jesus’ restorative love to someone who feels marginalized or overlooked? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

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

Will Those Who Are Saved Be Few? June 21, 2026 Will Those Who Are Saved Be Few? Sermon Series: Questions Download PDF Luke 13:22-30 22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Main Idea THE SALVATION CALL IS FOR ALL, BUT NOT ALL WILL BE SAVED. Outline THE REASON PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVED IS… NOT BECAUSE HEAVEN LACKS CAPACITY, BUT BECAUSE WE LACK COMMITMENT (VV22–24) THE REASON PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVED IS… NOT FOR LACK OF KNOWING THE GOSPEL, BUT BECAUSE WE DON’T KNOW GOD (VV25–27) THE REASON PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVED IS… NOT BECAUSE WE ARE NOT LET INTO THE KINGDOM, BUT BECAUSE WE DON’T DESERVE IT (VV27–28) THE REASON PEOPLE ARE SAVED IS… GOD CALLS TO HIMSELF PEOPLE FROM ALL RACES AND PLACES (VV29–30) Discussion Questions THE REASON PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVED IS… NOT BECAUSE HEAVEN LACKS CAPACITY, BUT BECAUSE WE LACK COMMITMENT (VV22–24) Someone asks Jesus, “Will those who are saved be few?” Why do you think Jesus answers by telling people to “strive to enter through the narrow door” instead of giving a number? What does it mean to strive to enter the narrow door? How does Jesus shift the focus from curiosity about others to personal responsibility? Why do people often prefer discussing salvation theoretically rather than examining their own relationship with God? What are some things that compete for our commitment to Christ? How does this passage challenge the idea that casually identifying as a Christian is enough? What would wholehearted commitment to Jesus look like in your current season of life? THE REASON PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVED IS… NOT FOR LACK OF KNOWING THE GOSPEL, BUT BECAUSE WE DON’T KNOW GOD (VV25–27) What is surprising about the people who say, “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets”? What are some ways a person can be familiar with Christianity without truly belonging to Christ? Why is it possible to participate in religious activities while still being spiritually lost? How does this passage challenge cultural Christianity? How can we guard against confusing church attendance, knowledge, or ministry involvement with saving faith? THE REASON PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVED IS… NOT BECAUSE WE ARE NOT LET INTO THE KINGDOM, BUT BECAUSE WE DON’T DESERVE IT (VV27–28) Why is it difficult for people to accept that no one deserves salvation? How does this passage expose self-righteousness? Why is understanding our sinfulness necessary for understanding God’s grace? What happens when people view salvation as something they have earned rather than received? How does the reality of judgment make the Gospel even more precious? Why is humility such an important part of coming to Christ? How does gratitude grow when we realize salvation is entirely by grace? THE REASON PEOPLE ARE SAVED IS… GOD CALLS TO HIMSELF PEOPLE FROM ALL RACES AND PLACES (VV29–30) What does this passage teach us about the scope of God’s saving plan? Why would this have been surprising to Jesus’ original audience? How does this passage highlight both God’s grace and God’s sovereignty? What encouragement do you find in knowing that people from every nation, background, and walk of life are invited into God’s Kingdom? How should this shape the way we think about evangelism and missions? How can we better reflect God’s desire to welcome people from every background into His family? Looking Forward Jesus moves the conversation from “How many will be saved?” to “Have you entered the narrow door?” What is one area of your life where you need to stop observing Christianity from a distance and more fully surrender yourself to Christ? Prayer Focus Pray for… Hearts that are fully committed to following Jesus A deeper understanding of the narrow door of salvation Freedom from cultural or superficial Christianity A genuine relationship with God, not merely knowledge about Him Humility to recognize our need for God’s grace Gratitude that salvation is a gift and not something we earn Confidence in the power of the Gospel to save A burden for those who do not yet know Christ Faithfulness in sharing the Gospel with others Joy in knowing that God is gathering people from every nation, tribe, and language into His Kingdom Wisdom to examine our own hearts and assurance that comes from truly knowing Jesus

Sarah Peace Kids Coordinator (Elementary) Sarah Grasman Sarah has been attending Peace since early 2021 and joined the staff later that same year. Originally from Portage, Michigan, she has been married to her husband Mike since 2004. They have three children: Luke, Avery, and Isaac, who attend school in Caledonia and play on several sports teams. Mike works in product development at UFP Industries. Sarah enjoys gardening and owns a floral design business. As a family, they love being outdoors, biking, camping, and taking trips to the beach. Her favorite Bible verses are Philippians 2:14-16. Contact Kid's Ministry Admin

Hope Because He Is Good November 16, 2025 Hope Because He Is Good Sermon Series: Because He Is Good Download PDF Psalm 33:13-22 13 The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. 16 The king is not saved by his great army ;a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Main Idea We hope in God because He is good. Outline God’s Gaze (13-15) The Fool’s Hope (16-17) The True Hope (18-22) Discussion Questions God’s Gaze (PSALM 33:13-15) What stands out to you about the way Psalm 33 describes God’s gaze upon humanity? How does knowing that God “looks down from heaven” and “sees all the children of man” shape the way you view your daily life? Verse 15 says God “fashions the hearts of them all.” What does this teach us about God’s involvement with us personally? Is God’s all-seeing gaze comforting, challenging, or both for you right now? Why? How might remembering God’s attentive presence change the way we respond to current struggles or uncertainties? How might in change the way we make decisions, even while in private? The Fool’s Hope (PSALM 33:16-17) According to these verses, where do people often place false hope? What are some modern equivalents of trusting in a “king’s army” or a “warhorse”? Why do you think we are tempted to rely on our own strength, resources, or strategies rather than on God? Can you think of a time when putting hope in something other than God left you disappointed? How can our group lovingly help one another recognize and turn away from misplaced hopes? The True Hope (PSALM 33:18-22) What does it mean that “the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him” (v.18)? How do these verses define true hope, and what makes it different from the “fool’s hope”? In what ways does God’s steadfast love provide the foundation for our hope? Verse 20 says, “Our soul waits for the Lord.” What does waiting on God look like in practical terms? As a group, where do we need God’s help right now to grow in hope and trust? How can we encourage each other this week to rest in God’s goodness and not in our own strength? Looking Forward In the upcoming days and weeks, what would it look like this week to take one step in putting more of your hope in God’s goodness? Prayer Focus Pray for… The people of Peace Church to be so aware of the goodness of God that we respond in praise, trust, and hope. The members of your community group to be able to walk together and encourage each other as we live lives putting our hope in God alone. The lost to be made aware of the fool’s hope that is anything besides putting their hope in God. All Christians to stand in stark contrast to the world by being a people of hope. Yourself to better understand and live in light of the truth that God is good and we can put our hope in Him.

From Empty to Abundant March 30, 2025 From Empty to Abundant Sermon Series: The Reversal Download PDF John 10:7-10 Main Idea The Gospel brings us from Empty to Abundant Outline Empty to Abundant: Jesus came not to show the way, but to be the way (v7) Jesus came not to blend in, but to stand above (vv8-9) Jesus came not to take anything, but to give abundantly (v10) Discussion Questions Jesus came to be the way (John 10:7) In this verse, Jesus declares, “I am the gate for the sheep.” How does understanding Jesus as the gate influence your perception of the path to spiritual abundance? In what ways can you more fully embrace Jesus as the sole way to a fulfilling and abundant life? Jesus came to stand above (John 10:8-9) Jesus contrasts Himself with others who came before Him, calling them “thieves and robbers.” How can we discern and guard against influences that attempt to lead us away from the true abundance found in Christ? Reflect on a time when you may have sought fulfillment outside of Jesus. What was the outcome, and how did it compare to the abundance He offers? Jesus came to give abundantly (John 10:10) Jesus states, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” What does living life to the full mean to you in the context of your faith? How can you actively receive and experience the abundant life that Jesus promises, even amidst challenges or hardships? Application Questions Identify areas in your life where you feel a sense of emptiness or lack. How can you invite Jesus into these spaces to transform them into experiences of His abundance? How can our church community support one another in moving from feelings of emptiness to embracing the abundant life offered through Christ? What practical steps can you take this week to embody the abundant life Jesus provides, and how can you share that abundance with others in your daily interactions? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

Become Sons of Light January 11, 2026 Become Sons of Light Sermon Series: Becoming Download PDF John 12:27-36 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” Main Idea WE ARE CALLED TO BECOME SONS OF LIGHT Outline THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST’S SURRENDER: GLORY (VV27-29) THE PLAN OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE: GOSPEL (VV30-33) THE PATH OF OUR SALVATION: GODLINESS (VV34-36) Discussion Questions THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST’S SURRENDER: GLORY (VV27-29) In verse 27, Jesus openly acknowledges the turmoil of His soul. What stands out to you about His honesty here? What does Jesus ask for instead of asking to be saved from suffering? How does the Father respond, and why do you think the crowd misunderstands what is happening? What does this teach us about how God’s glory is sometimes revealed in ways we don’t immediately recognize? Where do you find yourself tempted to pray “save me from this” instead of “Father, be glorified”? How might your understanding of God’s glory reshape how you view hardship or obedience this year? THE PLAN OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE: GOSPEL (VV30-33) What does Jesus say His death will accomplish spiritually and cosmically? How does this passage help clarify what the gospel actually is? How does seeing the cross as triumph—not tragedy—change how you think about following Jesus? In what ways does the gospel continue to “draw” you toward Christ today? THE PATH OF OUR SALVATION: GODLINESS (VV34-36) Why do the people struggle with Jesus’ teaching about the Son of Man? What does Jesus mean when He calls people to “walk while you have the light”? What is the connection between believing in the light and becoming “sons of light”? How does this passage challenge the idea that salvation is only about a moment, not a life? What does “walking in the light” look like in everyday rhythms—habits, relationships, priorities? Looking Forward As we begin the Becoming Campaign, what is one specific area where you already feel God calling you to become more of what you were made to be? Prayer Focus Pray for hearts that desire God’s glory above personal comfort, trusting the Father even when obedience feels costly. Pray for clearer spiritual hearing, that we would recognize God’s voice and work even when it doesn’t fit our expectations. Pray for deeper gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, seeing the cross not as defeat but as God’s powerful plan of salvation. Pray for renewed faith in the gospel, that the truth of Jesus’ death and victory would continue to draw us toward Him. Pray for freedom from sin’s power, trusting that Christ has defeated the ruler of this world. Pray for courage to walk in the light, choosing obedience while the opportunity to respond is before us. Pray for growing godliness, that our beliefs would shape our daily habits, relationships, and decisions. Pray for transformation over the coming year, that we would not merely attend church but truly become sons and daughters of light. Pray for unity across our church, that we would walk this Becoming journey together with humility, grace, and perseverance. Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit, forming Christlike character in us individually and corporately.

How Can This Man Give Us His Flesh To Eat? June 7, 2026 How Can This Man Give Us His Flesh To Eat? Sermon Series: Questions Download PDF John 6:51-59 John 6:51-59 Main Idea ETERNAL LIFE IS RECEIVING CHRIST’S LIFE INTO YOURS! Outline 1. RECEIVING CHRIST’S BODY IS A SPIRITUAL ACT THAT IS ACTUALLY TRUE. (VV51-53) 2. RECEIVING CHRIST’S LIFE IS A SPIRITUAL ACT THAT IS ETERNALLY TRUE. (VV54-59) Discussion Questions 1. RECEIVING CHRIST’S BODY IS A SPIRITUAL ACT THAT IS ACTUALLY TRUE (VV51–53) Jesus says He is the living bread that came down from heaven. What do you think the crowd found so confusing or offensive about His statement? Why do you think people often struggle to understand spiritual truths when they approach them only from a physical or earthly perspective? What does it mean to “receive” Christ rather than merely know about Him? How is receiving Christ different from simply agreeing with Christian beliefs or attending church? Why is Christianity more than moral improvement or religious activity? What are some ways people try to find life, satisfaction, or salvation apart from Jesus? How does this passage challenge a shallow or merely cultural Christianity? 2. RECEIVING CHRIST’S LIFE IS A SPIRITUAL ACT THAT IS ETERNALLY TRUE (VV54–59) What promises does Jesus make to those who receive Him? Why is eternal life more than simply living forever? How does Jesus describe the relationship between Himself and those who believe in Him? What does it mean that Christ’s life becomes the source of our life? How does this passage help us understand the difference between temporary satisfaction and eternal fulfillment? What are some areas of your life where you are tempted to look for fulfillment outside of Christ? How does knowing that Jesus offers eternal life affect the way you approach present struggles, disappointments, or fears? Looking Forward What is one area of your life where you are trying to find life, satisfaction, security, or fulfillment apart from Jesus, and what would it look like to more fully receive and trust Him this week? Prayer Focus Pray for… A deeper understanding of who Jesus is as the Bread of Life Faith to receive Christ personally, not merely know about Him Hearts that hunger for Jesus more than the temporary things of this world Freedom from looking to lesser things for satisfaction and fulfillment A growing confidence in the promise of eternal life through Christ Wisdom to understand spiritual truths through the work of the Holy Spirit Gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made to give us life Strength to trust Jesus even when His teachings are difficult to understand A deeper relationship with Christ that shapes every part of life Joy in knowing that eternal life is found in receiving Christ and His life into ours