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The Holy Spirit is the power of God May 18, 2025 The Holy Spirit is the power of God Sermon Series: The Helper Download PDF Acts 1:6-11 Main Idea The Holy Spirit is the Power of God in our lives Outline Pre-Questions Is that an easy thing to live into in our lives? From Previous sermons, we recognize that the Holy Spirit does many things, such as being both comforter and convictor. Can we fully grasp what this means for us as we walk with God? Discussion Questions The Holy Spirit is the power to wait faithfully (vv6-7) How does this challenge our unconscious mindset about who is in charge of my life? Does what's found in verses 6-7 provide a form of comfort to us? The Holy Spirit is the power to witness fearlessly (v8) With the Holy Spirit in and through you, what does it look like for you to be a witness in your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth? The Holy Spirit is the power to worship fully (v9) How does the presence of the Holy Spirit empower us to worship God in spirit and in truth, and what might our worship lack without Him? (Read John 4:24) The Holy Spirit is the power to walk firmly (vv10-11) Read Ephesians 6:10-18, Are we the primary actors in our battle with sin and weaknesses? Application question: If the Holy Spirit is the power of God in your life, how should that change the way you face challenges or make decisions this week? What is prompting change? What would change in your daily life if you truly depended on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own strength?

David & Bathsheba March 2, 2025 David & Bathsheba Sermon Series: Stand Alone Series 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). Pre-Questions When you hear the story of David and Bathsheba, what initial thoughts or emotions arise? Can you recall a time when a seemingly small decision led to unexpected consequences in your life? 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?

From Darkness to Light March 9, 2025 From Darkness to Light Sermon Series: The Reversal Download PDF John 1:1-5 Main Idea The Gospel brings us from Brokenness to Renewal Outline Go to Him personally (vv1-2) Learn from Him carefully (vv3-6) Believe in Him specifically (vv7-8) Pre-Questions When you hear the phrase “from darkness to light,” what personal experiences or thoughts come to mind How has the concept of moving from brokenness to renewal played a role in your spiritual journey Discussion Questions Go to Him Personally (John 1:1-2) John begins by emphasizing that “In the beginning was the Word.” How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal Word influence your personal relationship with Him? In what ways can you seek a more personal connection with Jesus in your daily life? Learn from Him Carefully (John 1:3-5) John states that “All things were made through Him.” How does this understanding impact your view of creation and your place within it? How can you be more intentional in learning from Jesus and applying His teachings to areas of brokenness in your life? Believe in Him Specifically (John 1:6-8) The passage introduces John the Baptist, who came to bear witness to the light. How does John’s testimony encourage you to believe in Jesus more deeply? What specific aspects of Jesus’ character or works strengthen your faith and trust in Him? Application Questions Identify areas in your life where you feel darkness or brokenness. How can embracing Jesus as the light bring renewal to these areas? How can our church community support each other in moving from darkness to light, fostering an environment of renewal and growth? What practical steps can you take this week to reflect the light of Christ in your interactions with others, especially those who may be experiencing darkness?

From Spirit-Less to Spirit-Filled March 23, 2025 From Spirit-Less to Spirit-Filled Sermon Series: The Reversal Download PDF John 7:37-39 Main Idea The Gospel brings us from Spirit-Less to Spirit-Filled Outline To be Spirit-filled means we are filled in our soul (vv37-38) filled in our soul (vv37-38) filled by the Spirit (v39) Pre-Questions When you hear the phrase from Spirit-less to Spirit-filled, what personal experiences or thoughts come to mind? How has the concept of moving from emptiness to spiritual fulfillment played a role in your faith journey? Discussion Questions Filled in our soul (John 7:37-38) Jesus invites those who are thirsty to come to him and drink. How does this invitation resonate with your personal experiences of spiritual thirst? In what ways can you actively seek to quench your spiritual thirst through a deeper relationship with Jesus? Filled by the Spirit (John 7:39) The passage refers to the Spirit that believers were to receive. How does being filled with the Holy Spirit manifest in your daily life? What practices or habits can you cultivate to remain receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and presence? Application Questions Identify areas in your life where you feel spiritually dry or disconnected. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to renew and fill these aspects of your life? How can our church community support one another in moving from a Spirit-less existence to a Spirit-filled life, fostering an environment of spiritual growth and encouragement? What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate the characteristics of a Spirit-filled life in your interactions with others, especially those who may be seeking spiritual fulfillment?

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) Pre-Questions When you hear the phrase from rejected to restored, what personal experiences or thoughts come to mind How has the concept of moving from rejection to restoration played a role in your spiritual journey 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?

From Plan To Purpose April 13, 2025 From Plan To Purpose Sermon Series: The Reversal Download PDF John 12:12-19 Main Idea The gospel doesn’t give us the hero we want, but the hero we need. Outline 1) The Crowd 2) The Hero 3) Us Pre-Questions When you hear the phrase “from plan to purpose,” what personal experiences or thoughts come to mind? How has the concept of moving from your own plans to embracing God’s purpose played a role in your spiritual journey? Discussion Questions The Crowd (John 12:12-13) The crowd welcomed Jesus with palm branches, expecting a political savior. How do our expectations of Jesus sometimes differ from who He truly is? In what ways can we align our expectations with the true nature and mission of Christ? The Hero (John 12:14-15) Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing peace rather than conquest. How does this choice reflect the kind of hero Jesus is? What does this teach us about the nature of God’s purpose compared to human plans? Us (John 12:16-19) The disciples did not understand these things at first but later realized their significance. How have you experienced moments where God’s purpose became clear only in hindsight? How can we cultivate trust in God’s purpose, even when it doesn’t align with our immediate plans? Application Questions Identify areas in your life where your personal plans may be overshadowing God’s purpose. What steps can you take to surrender those plans to Him? How can our church community support one another in discerning and embracing God’s purpose over our own plans? What practical actions can you take this week to live out God’s purpose, even if it challenges your personal expectations?

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) Pre-Questions When you hear the phrase “from empty to abundant,” what personal experiences or thoughts come to mind? How has the concept of moving from emptiness to abundance played a role in your spiritual journey? 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?

Caring for Widows January 12, 2025 Caring for Widows Sermon Series: Womb to Tomb Download PDF Exodus 22:22-24 Main Idea God's people are to share God's heart to care for those who can't care for themselves Outline God has concern for those who are neglected. {Exodus 22:22-23} God has condemnation for those who are unjust. Exodus 22:24} Pre-Questions James 1:27 describes pure religion as looking after orphans and widows in their distress. How does this verse challenge our current practices in caring for widows within our church community? When you hear the term ‘pro-life,’ what aspects of life come to mind? How does caring for widows fit into a holistic pro-life ethic? Discussion Questions General Questions: In 1 Timothy 5:3-16, Paul provides specific instructions on supporting widows. What principles can we extract from this passage to apply in our context today? Psalm 68:5 describes God as a ‘father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.’ How can embodying this aspect of God’s character influence our approach to social justice and mercy ministries? 1 Timothy 5:4 emphasizes that if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness by caring for their own family. How can families and the church collaborate to ensure widows receive comprehensive support? In what practical ways can you personally contribute to caring for widows in your community? Consider time, resources, and advocacy. Family Questions: Have you ever met someone who was lonely or needed help? How did you feel when you helped them? Do you know someone in our family or church who has lost a loved one? How can we show them that we care about them? A widow is someone who has lost their husband. How do you think they feel, and what can we do to make them feel loved? In Luke 4:18, Jesus said He came to help people who are hurting or lonely. How do you think Jesus would want us to treat widows or people who don’t have family to help them? What are some things we can do as a family to help people who are lonely, like widows or older people in our church? Activity: “Love in Action” Challenge • Plan a family project to bless a widow or an older person. Ideas include: • Making a homemade card or artwork. • Baking cookies and delivering them. • Inviting them over for a meal or visiting them. • Offering to help with tasks like yard work or groceries.

Justice for the Fatherless January 19, 2025 Justice for the Fatherless Sermon Series: Womb to Tomb Download PDF Psalm 82 Main Idea God's people are to share God's heart to give justice for those who can't defend themselves. Outline 1. God is the supreme judge {Psalm 82:1} 2. God is the righteous judge {Psalm 82:2-7} Pre-Questions What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘justice’? How does it relate to helping those who cannot help themselves? Have you ever known someone who didn’t have a father or a stable family? What challenges do you think they faced? Discussion Questions Psalm 68:5 says God is a ‘Father to the fatherless.’ What does this verse teach us about God’s character and His care for vulnerable people? How can we reflect God’s heart for the fatherless in our daily lives? Isaiah 1:17 calls us to ‘defend the fatherless.’ What are some practical ways we can live this out as individuals and as a church? What might stop us from stepping in to help the fatherless, and how can we overcome those barriers? Proverbs 31:8-9 urges us to ‘speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.’ How can we be advocates for children without families or stable homes? How can we offer more than just material support and bring hope and love to the fatherless? Ephesians 1:5 says that God predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. How does understanding our spiritual adoption help us care for others? What role can fostering, adoption, or mentorship play in living out God’s call to care for the fatherless? What is one step you can take this week to help or support someone who is fatherless or vulnerable?

A New Day Dawning January 26, 2025 A New Day Dawning Sermon Series: A New Day Dawning Download PDF Lamentations 3:22-23 Main Idea Main Idea: This new day dawning reminds us of what we have every day in Christ: God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness. Outline This new day dawning reminds us of: God’s unfaltering love (v22) God’s unfading mercy (vv22-23) God’s unfailing faithfulness (v23) Pre-Questions What does the word "mercy" mean? How is the word "love" used in Lamentations 3? How is that different from how we typically use that word? Discussion Questions Read Micah 7:18–20. How does God's mercy bring us hope? Imagine God wasn't faithful. What kind of relationship could we have with him? How does his faithfulness usher you into worshiping him deeper? Ephesians 2:4 talks about mercy and love. Discuss how these two characteristics of God complement each other. Share a story of when God's faithfulness was evident in your life.

A Season Is Ending & Beginning January 5, 2025 A Season Is Ending & Beginning Sermon Series: A Season Is Ending & Beginning Download PDF Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Main Idea Whatever season we are in, what matters is that we glorify God forever. Outline 1. ...ending because nothing lasts forever (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) 2..beginning because God reigns (Ecclesiastes 3:8-15) Pre-Questions Can you share a personal experience of a significant transition in your life? How did you see God’s hand at work during that time? As we prepare to move into the new worship center, what hopes and expectations do you have for this new chapter in our church’s journey? Discussion Questions Ecclesiastes speaks of a time for every activity under heaven. How do you interpret the timing of our move to the new worship center in light of this passage? Change can bring both excitement and uncertainty. How can we, as a church community, support one another in embracing this transition with faith and unity? Verses 11 and 14 highlight God’s sovereignty and the permanence of His works. How does acknowledging God’s control over our church’s journey influence your perspective on this move? As we prepare for this transition, let’s each identify one way we can contribute to making the new worship center a place where God’s presence is felt and His name is glorified. Share your commitment with the group.

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 Pre-Questions When you hear the phrase ‘contend for the faith,’ what images or actions come to mind? Can you recall a time when you faced challenges or opposition because of your Christian beliefs? How did you respond? 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.