The Holy Spirit December 14, 2025 The Holy Spirit Sermon Series: From the Realms of Glory Download PDF Matthew 1:18-21 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Main Idea The Holy Spirit, the true Spirit of Christmas, makes Christmas powerful, personal, and purposeful. Outline 1. The Holy Spirit makes Christmas powerful (verse 18) 2. The Holy Spirit makes Christmas personal (verses 19-20) 3. The Holy Spirit makes Christmas purposeful (verse 21) Discussion Questions The Holy Spirit makes Christmas powerful (v18) Why is it significant that Matthew is so clear about the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ conception? What does this verse teach us about who Jesus is and where His authority comes from? How does the involvement of the Holy Spirit remind us that Christmas is ultimately God’s work, not human effort? Where do you need to trust the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own control this season? The Holy Spirit makes Christmas personal (vv19-20) How do Joseph’s initial plans show his character and humanity? Why do you think God chose to speak directly to Joseph through an angelic message? What does this tell us about how the Holy Spirit meets people in moments of fear, confusion, or uncertainty? How does knowing God cares about individual obedience shape how you see your own choices this season? The Holy Spirit makes Christmas purposeful (v21) What is the clear purpose of Jesus’ coming according to this verse? Why is it important that Christmas is ultimately about salvation from sin? How does understanding Jesus’ mission shape how we celebrate Christmas today? In what ways can your celebration of Christmas reflect its true purpose this year? Looking Forward In the upcoming days and weeks, which of these three aspects of Christmas, do you feel most called to focus on this upcoming week? How do you intend to practically focus in on and live out that truth? Prayer Focus Pray for a deeper trust in God’s power rather than your own effort. Pray for release from stress, control, and the pressure to make Christmas perfect. Pray for renewed faith that God is actively at work, even when things feel uncertain. Pray for awe and wonder at the supernatural work of God in the incarnation. Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily decisions. Pray for courage to obey God when obedience feels costly or confusing. Pray for peace in areas of fear, disappointment, or unanswered questions. Pray for grace to trust God’s character when His plans differ from your own. Pray for repentance and renewal where sin has dulled your joy in Christ. Pray for opportunities to point others to Jesus through words and actions. Pray for intentionality in how time, money, and energy are used this season. Pray that your celebrations would reflect Christ’s mission, not just cultural tradition. Pray for a Christmas shaped by the Holy Spirit—marked by power, closeness to God, and gospel purpose.

The Lord is Mine August 31, 2024 The Lord is Mine Sermon Series: Standalone Download PDF Psalm 23 Main Idea The Lord is your shepherd. That should affect your day. Outline We will see, from Psalm 23, that the Lord is… my Shepherd who Leads me (vv.1-3) my Protector who is With me (v.4) my Savior who Loves me (vv.5-6) Discussion Questions In what ways has your understanding of God’s character influenced how you relate to Him? How do you reconcile times when God feels distant with the belief that “The Lord is mine”? What Bible verses come to mind when you think of the phrase “The Lord is mine”? How do these verses encourage or challenge you? How does the truth that “The Lord is mine” align with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels? How can we demonstrate to others that “The Lord is mine” through our actions and words? What practical steps can we take this week to deepen our relationship with God and live out the truth that He is ours? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

Nicole Adult & Student Administrative Assistant Nicole Baumann Nicole has been attending Peace since 2019. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is married to Will and two kids. Her family enjoys spending time together by going on walks, car rides, or playing at home. In her free time, Nicole loves being outside or spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys reading whenever she gets the chance. Her favorite Bible verses are Proverbs 3:5-6 and 1 Thessalonians 2:8. Contact the Family Ministry Admin

The News to His World (Wise Men/Epiphany Sunday) December 28, 2024 The News to His World (Wise Men/Epiphany Sunday) Sermon Series: Go Tell It On The Mountain Download PDF Matthew 2:1-12 Main Idea No one is beyond the good news of the gospel Outline 1. The King of kings has come — Verses 1-6 2. Good News to Wise Men — Verses 7-12 Discussion Questions In verses 1-6, the Wise Men arrive in Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews. What does their journey tell us about the recognition of Jesus’ kingship beyond the Jewish community? Reflect on Isaiah 9:6-7, which prophesies the coming of a ruler with an everlasting kingdom. How does this Old Testament prophecy enhance your understanding of Jesus as the King of kings? The inclusion of the Wise Men in the nativity story demonstrates that the message of Jesus is for all people, regardless of background. How does this inclusivity challenge or affirm your understanding of the gospel’s reach? Reflect on Ephesians 2:17-19, which speaks of Christ bringing peace to those who were far away and those who were near. How can we, as a faith community, embody this message of inclusivity and share the good news with others? In what ways can you actively seek Jesus in your daily life, emulating the Wise Men’s determination and commitment? How can you offer your own ‘gifts’—be it time, resources, or talents—in worship and service to Jesus? Are there individuals or groups in your community who might feel excluded from the gospel message? How can you reach out to them to share the inclusive love of Christ? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

He Will By No Means Lose His Reward May 17, 2026 He Will By No Means Lose His Reward Sermon Series: Lines in the Sand Download PDF Matthew 10:40-42 40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Main Idea THE LINE IN THE SAND: OUR REWARD IS ON THE LINE Outline TO RECEIVE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE IS TO RECEIVE GOD’S PRESENCE (V40) TO PARTAKE IN GOSPEL WORK IS TO RECEIVE GOD’S REWARDS (VV41–42) Discussion Questions TO RECEIVE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE IS TO RECEIVE GOD’S PRESENCE (V40) What stands out to you about Jesus saying, “Whoever receives you receives me”? How does this passage elevate the importance of sharing and receiving the Gospel? Why is the presence of God the greatest reward we could ever receive? What are some ways people can know about the Gospel without truly receiving it? How is “going to church” different from truly belonging to Christ? TO PARTAKE IN GOSPEL WORK IS TO RECEIVE GOD’S REWARDS (VV41–42) What confuses people about the idea of rewards in Christianity? How are rewards different from earning salvation? Why is it important to understand the difference between legalism and grace? What are some signs that someone may subtly believe they are accepted by God because they are “good enough”? How does grace motivate obedience differently than guilt or fear? What stands out to you about Jesus emphasizing even small acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water? Why do seemingly small acts of faithfulness matter so much to God? Which comes more naturally to you: Standing boldly for truth, or quietly serving others with kindness? Why do we need both toughness and tenderness as followers of Jesus? What would faithfulness to God look like in your current season of life? OUR ACTIONS MATTER, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE Why do people sometimes assume that if salvation is by grace, then effort and obedience do not matter? How should the promise of eternal rewards shape the way we live now? What does it look like to move beyond simply wanting to “get into heaven” toward truly wanting to be faithful to God? Where are you tempted toward spiritual passivity or complacency? What is one area where you sense God calling you to greater faithfulness? Looking Forward What is one specific way you can participate more intentionally in Gospel work this week, whether through serving, generosity, encouragement, sharing your faith, or simple acts of kindness? Prayer Focus Pray for… A deeper love for the Gospel and the presence of God Hearts that truly receive Jesus as Lord, not just intellectually but personally Freedom from legalism and confidence in God’s grace through Christ A growing desire to faithfully participate in God’s Kingdom work Wisdom to understand the difference between earning salvation and living faithfully because of salvation Strength to live with both courage and compassion Eyes to see opportunities for small acts of kindness and service Faithfulness in both public and unseen obedience A longing to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” Lives that increasingly reflect gratitude for the amazing grace of God

Living Water: Woman at the Well (Part 1 of 3) June 1, 2024 Living Water: Woman at the Well (Part 1 of 3) Sermon Series: It Had To Be Said Download PDF John 4:1-14 Main Idea Jesus Reveals He...Gives Eternal Outline 1. An invitation (vv7-10) 2. An offer (vv11-14a) 3. A revelation (v14b) Discussion Questions 1. Read Jeremiah 2:13. How does this passage help us understand what Jesus is doing in John 4? 2. Imagine you were an Israelite in the 1st century. What would your reaction to this passage (John 4:1-14) be? 3. Jesus is talking to a woman who (culturally) was seen as beyond lost. Who are people who you see as beyond lost? 4. How does this passage and sermon challenge the mold we can put these people who are "beyond lost?" Looking Forward Prayer Focus

My Food is God's Will | The Woman at the Well, pt. 3 of 3 June 15, 2024 My Food is God's Will | The Woman at the Well, pt. 3 of 3 Sermon Series: It Had To Be Said Download PDF John 4:27-42 Main Idea Jesus Reveals He Has a Job to Do - And So Do We! Outline 1. Jesus' job is to do God's work (v27-34) 2. Our job is to continue Gospel work (vv35-42) Discussion Questions 1. Disciples are marked by being people who make disciples. Who in this story models that, and why is that unlikely? 2. What is God's will? 3. Read Psalm 1. Why is doing the will of the Father (or obeying the law) something that Jesus delights in? 4. How can we delight in this too? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

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.

Who is the Greatest? July 27, 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

Ashleigh Women's Ministry Coordinator Ashleigh Harms Ashleigh has been attending Peace since April 2022 and joined the staff in November 2023. Originally from South Lyon on the east side of Michigan, she married her husband Chris in December 2019. They have two dogs, Bella and Poppy. Ashleigh enjoys a wide variety of activities in her free time, including baking, reading, and spending time on her porch. She also enjoys crafting, working out, and most importantly, spending time with other people. Her favorite Bible passages are the book of Job and Psalm 27:14: "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Contact the Family Ministry Admin