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

Never Alone Marriage Conference Vacation Bible School June 22-25 | 6-8 PM Volunteer Register Now Volunteer Volunteer Christmas Eve Times Illumination Station is a gospel-centered VBS for kids currently in Kindergarten through 5th grade (2025–2026 school year), held June 22–25 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Peace Church Central Campus. Whether your child is part of Peace Church, attends another church, or is just beginning to learn about Jesus, this week is intentionally designed to shine the light of Christ through teaching, worship, and meaningful connection. Advent Sermon Series Watch Sermon Series Go Tell It On The Mountain Christmas isn’t just about exchanging gifts—it’s the ultimate Good News that needs to be shared. This December, we’ll explore how the birth of Jesus sparked a reaction across generations and social divides. From his closest relatives to his fiercest enemies, we’ll see how each response to the Savior’s arrival inspires us to carry this incredible news into the world. Join us as we hear, celebrate, and boldly share the Good News: Jesus Christ is born! Watch the Advent Sermon Series Frequently Asked Questions What we do Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share. Breakout Speakers Kevin Doerfler Man of God: Lessons Over a Lifetime Jon Hisey Man of God: Lessons Over a Lifetime Pastor Nate Harney That’s A Good Question Live Pastor Jon Delger That’s A Good Question Live Pastor Ryan Kimmel That’s A Good Question Live Eric Westendorp Lessons on Fatherhood John Christian Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Habitual Sins Josh Hoekstra Unfiltered Emotions Caleb Horjus Unfiltered Prayer Jake Herrera Unfiltered Relationships Pastor Logan & Rachel Bailey - Michigan Serving Together Pastor Noah & Liz Kamper - Tabernacle Finding Rhythm and Rest in Marriage Frequently Asked Questions What is the theme of VBS? The theme of VBS this year is Illumination Station™. During this exciting week, kids will explore how light brightens, illuminates, reflects, and reveals truth, while discovering that Jesus is the Light who brings hope to a dark world. Through Bible stories and activities, children will be challenged to answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” and learn that Jesus is not a matter of opinion—He is the perfect, proven, and powerful Son of God, just as Scripture declares. Illumination Station encourages kids to shine a light on Jesus and carry His light into the world. How do I register? You can register for VBS here. What is the VBS schedule? VBS will take place on Monday, June 22 - Thursday, June 25 from 6-8 PM each night. Each night, we will have Large Group time where we will worship and have skits, followed by missions, Bible study, and games! Can I volunteer at VBS? We'd love to have you volunteer! Volunteers need to be Child Protection Certified and attenders of Peace Church. Click here to register. Is there a cost? No, VBS is free! Who can I contact for more information? You can email kids@peacechurch.cc for more information. Can I attend this if I do not attend Peace Church? Yes, everyone is welcome to register for VBS! Will meals be provided? No, meals will not be provided. Vision To see the Gospel embraced and passed on for generations of Kingdom impact. Mission At Peace Church, we are Gospel-Centered, Family-Focused, and Kingdom-Minded. Sponsors Sponsors 2024 Conference Messages

Mission Partners God has called us to be Kingdom-minded. One of the ways we answer that call is through global missions. By partnering with missionaries throughout the world, Peace Church can bring the love and truth of Jesus Christ to places we would never reach on our own. From Uganda to Indonesia, the people of Peace Church are building the kingdom of God globally through our support of missionaries and mission organizations. Please look through our growing list of global missions' partners and spend some time learning about their work, praying for them, and considering whether you want to give a special gift to support their gospel work. If you give to our general fund, you are already supporting each of these missionaries financially, but we ask that you pray and consider any additional individual support that would be above and beyond. Kyle & Ryann Combrink Zambia Overland Missions Kyle and Ryann Combrink serve as missionaries with Overland Missions in Zambia, Africa. Kyle plays a crucial role in managing the logistical operations at our main base in Zambia, facilitating the deployment of hundreds of missionaries each year to remote villages across Zambia. His responsibilities include driving expedition teams in Overland’s robust ex-military trucks and advising the sustainable agriculture initiatives which focuses on creating sustainable income for local ministry partners through livestock and agricultural efforts. Ryann holds the position of Director of Administration at Overland Missions. Leading a global administrative team, she oversees the logistical movements of over 400 missionaries spanning 22+ nations. Her primary focus is keeping the organization running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring missionaries have the resources, paperwork, visas, finances, and support they need to bring the Gospel to the most remote and unreached people groups around the world. Additionally, she coordinates key events in the US, including the annual conference held in Florida each year. Give to Kyle & Ryann Daniel & Amber Greegor Mexico Ethnos 360 Mexico is home to sixty-three indigenous languages with over 350 dialects, many with no access to a Bible. The Greegor’s are establishing a group of believers who can show them Christ's love and disciple them to walk with him. Their goal is to plant a self-sustaining, indigenous church amongst the least-reached people group in rural Mexico. Give to Daniel & Amber Mission India Mission India's vision is to see India transformed by the love of Christ. Their mission is to equip India's Christians to plant reproducing churches. They accomplish this through children's Bible clubs, adult literacy classes, and church planter training. Here at Peace Church, we are partnered with two missionaries in India. Both families have started and continue to lead and support at least five small churches in different villages in India. Find Out More Tom & Donna Cnossen Alberta, Canada Northern Canada Evangelical Mission The Cnossens minister in Alberta, Canada to the Maskwacis community. They lead local church and camp ministries in partnership with Northern Canada Evangelical Mission. Give to Tom & Donna Billy & Erica Tjernlund Big Lake, Alaska Central Missionary Clearinghouse Billy and his wife are raising their three children—Evaleigh, Sevland, and Westley—while serving the people of Alaska with a heart for the Gospel. Their calling is to see churches planted for and by Alaska Native people, bringing lasting, locally led Gospel presence to communities that have long been unreached. Today, nearly 80% of Alaska’s more than 200 villages have no Gospel witness, many of them accessible only by air. To help meet this need, Billy serves through aviation and ministry leadership across the state. He pilots two airplanes to provide essential flights for multiple ministries, serves on the Board of Directors for Kokrine Hills Bible Camp, and acts as an aviation advisor for Soaring For Christ. He also teaches and preaches in local churches and hosts the Tell Your Story Alaska podcast, highlighting how God is at work in remote communities. As part of this mission, Billy is launching Ends of the Earth Aviation LLC, a business platform designed to support and sustain Gospel ministry to Alaska’s most isolated villages—helping take the hope of Christ to the ends of the earth. Give to Billy & Erica Mark & Heather Overbeek Kodiak, Alaska InterAct Ministries The Overbeeks minister in Kodiak, Alaska with InterAct Ministries. Mark pastors a local church and Heather leads women’s Bible study events. Their family also puts on youth Bible camps and outreach events. Give to Mark & Heather Sarah Jantzen Uganda Tanaka Global International Sarah runs a child protection training program called Reclaiming Hope that sets up church/faith-based child protection units in villages across Uganda. She currently is opening an emergency shelter for teenage survivors of sexual abuse called Path of Hope. Sarah raises 14 kids while ministering to her neighbors in Nasenyi Village through education support and Bible studies. Sarah’s future goal to be happening in 2025 is having a school feeding program that will be called Mukisa Meals. Give to Sarah Jared & Melanie Currie Asia Pacific Ethnos 360 The Curries minister to an unreached people group in Asia Pacific. For years they have worked with a team to do translation work and teaching that reaches the people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Give to Jared & Melanie Fill Out Our Missions Support Inquiries Form Missions Support Inquiries Fill out our Missions Support Inquiries Form

Wrathful October 12, 2025 Wrathful Sermon Series: Nahum Download PDF Nahum 1:1-15 1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh. 2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; he dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither; the bloom of Lebanon withers. 5 The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it. 6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him. 7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. 8 But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. 9 What do you plot against the LORD? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time. 10 For they are like entangled thorns, like drunkards as they drink; they are consumed like stubble fully dried. 11 From you came one who plotted evil against the LORD, a worthless counselor. 12 Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. 13 And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.” 14 The LORD has given commandment about you: “No more shall your name be perpetuated; from the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the metal image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.” 15 Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off. Main Idea God is a God of Wrath because He is loving, just, and good. Outline 1. God has wrath because God is loving (Nahum 1:1-8) 2. God has wrath because God is just (Nahum 1:9-11) 3. God has wrath because God is good (Nahum 1:12-15) Discussion Questions Opening Questions What thoughts or images come to mind when you hear the word “wrath?” What negative opinions have you heard from others about the idea of God being “wrathful?” God has wrath because God is loving ( Nahum 1:1-8 ) How do you see love and wrath being related? When was a time you had to fight for someone or something you loved? God has wrath because God is just ( Nahum 1:9-11 ) What is a present evil in our world that you long to see God pour out his wrath on? What evils do you see in our world today that should upset you more than they do? Why do you think you have become numb towards them? God has wrath because God is good ( Nahum 1:12-15 ) When was a time in your life where you encountered God’s goodness through his discipline? What are some of the ways you could take conversations about the evil in the world and use them to talk about God’s love, justice, and goodness shown in his wrath? God’s patience delays judgment, but God’s justice demands it. What are some ways you have seen God’s plan worked out for your family over generations? God’s wrath has been fully answered, not in Assyria, but in the Savior. Why do you think Christians don’t spend more time dwelling on the wrath of God, especially as it relates to the wrath we deserved being poured out on Jesus in our place? Looking Forward In the upcoming days and weeks, what is something you can commit to in order to remind yourself daily to be grateful for Jesus taking God’s wrath in your place? Prayer Focus Pray for… The people of Peace Church to always take in the fullness of Scriptures, even the hard and ignored parts. The members of your community group to be able to walk through a challenging series with grace, patience, and courage. The lost to be open to learning more about the importance of God’s wrath, both the justice it brings to evil and the wrath that is in store for those who do not receive the grace of God through faith in Jesus. All Christians to be bold as we stand against evil in our world, even when it is within our own “camp.” Pastor Ryan as he preaches through this challenging book that many struggle to understand and receive. Yourself to better understand and live in light of the truth that God is a God of wrath because he is loving, just, and good.

d8008ed7-c819-4154-afd4-b12d417b2966 Special Needs Ministry Upcoming Events Peace Church is committed to providing students with extra needs the support they need to fully participate in the same activities as their peers, across all age groups. Our goal is to ensure that all families feel welcome and confident that they can worship together on Sunday mornings and throughout the week , without fear of their child being excluded. We offer a variety of programs, including Sunday Morning Programming (Newborn – 5th Grade), Brave Girls/Bold Boys on Wednesday nights, and Middle School and High School Youth Groups on Sunday nights. For older children who may not fit into the typical Sunday Morning programming, we also provide a Sensory Room option. To further support students with special needs at every age level, Peace Church pairs each child or student with a 1:1 buddy who works directly with them. This buddy system is in place across all our programs, ensuring that every child can participate fully and meaningfully in all activities, creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Register below before you attend Peace to help us Better serve you. Friends at Peace is a ministry for adults with special needs in our community! We meet September to March on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is one of the most fun gatherings in the church. Click here to learn more. Special Needs Friends At Peace Go Peace Kids Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Vicky Damico Special Needs Coordinator Contact Us Go Interested in Serving? Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Vicky Damico Special Needs Coordinator Interested in Serving? Go Contact Kid's Ministry Admin Go Learn More Vicky Damico Special Needs Coordinator Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Interested in Serving? Go

Jesus steps onto the scene and the Kingdom draws near. Crowds gather. Conflict rises. The cross comes. Easter is the moment with the single greatest magnitude in all of history. The Resurrection shakes the foundation of all creation and rewrites what we thought was possible. Join us at any one of our 4 services! MAGNITUDE The Resurrection shakes the foundations of the universe EASTER 2026 the Resurrection shakes the foundation of all creation... Mark’s Gospel moves fast because the stakes are massive. Jesus steps onto the scene and the Kingdom draws near. Crowds gather. Conflict rises. The cross comes. However, the story doesn’t end in a grave. Easter is the moment with the single greatest magnitude in all of history. The Resurrection shakes the foundation of all creation and rewrites what we thought was possible. That means hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s anchored in a living Savior and it sends us into the world with purpose, because the risen Jesus still gives His people a mission. GOOD FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Peace Kids will be available for Birth through Fifth Grade 5:30 & 7:00PM @ The Central Campus Good Friday @ Peace Church Wayland EASTER SUNDAY SUNDAY, APRIL 5 Peace Kids will be available for Birth through Fifth Grade 7:45, 9:00, 10:30, and 11:45AM @ The Central Campus Easter Sunday @ Peace Church Wayland INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! We want to make it easy for you to invite your friends and family to Easter at Peace Church. These graphics are made for your social feeds. Share them, tag us, and include peacechurch.cc/easter so people can find service times and more information. Not sure what to say? Try this: “Hey! I’d love for you to join me for Easter at Peace Church. It’s going to be an incredible time of worship and celebrating the hope we have in Jesus. Want to come with me? You can find all the details at peacechurch.cc/easter.” We seriously can’t wait to see who takes a step toward Jesus! DOWNLOAD GRAPHICS

0d292ae7-8ca9-4e17-826b-372855b0928b Community Groups Upcoming Events At Peace Church, as we continue to grow bigger, Community Groups are how we stay connected and build meaningful relationships. In these smaller, welcoming gatherings, you’ll find a place where you can be known and cared for—whether you’re new to faith or have been following Christ for years. Community Groups are designed to help you grow both in community and in your walk with God. Each group looks a little different—some dive deep into Bible studies, while others focus on prayer, service, or sharing life together. No matter the format, every group emphasizes building relationships and supporting one another through the highs and lows of life. Community groups meet weekly or bi-weekly and are where discipleship truly happens. You don’t need to have all the answers or be a seasoned Christian—everyone is welcome. It’s a great way to get connected, grow spiritually, and experience genuine care and community. We invite you to join a group and discover the connection, care, and spiritual growth we all need. Join A Community Group Become a Community Group Leader 55+ Go Men Go Women Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Chelsea Bennett Community Director Contact Us Go Interested in Serving? Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Chelsea Bennett Community Director Interested in Serving? Go Contact the Community Director Go Learn More Chelsea Bennett Community Director Learn More Abigail Roseboom Community Administrative Assistant Learn More Ashley Zimmerman Hospitality Coordinator Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Interested in Serving? Go

2e5c95ff-cf7b-487c-bbad-a803cc54ee6b Bold Boys Upcoming Events Bold Boys is our mid-week program for boys in 1st-3rd grade (4th-5th graders meet in the Venue for Bold and Brave ). We meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00pm from October to March in the gym. It is a fun program that includes sports, woodworking, projects, and Bible lessons. Bold Boys is one way in which we aim to equip our sons to grow into the men God has called them to be, set apart by their courage, conviction, and compassion. A typical Bold Boys night will start with large group worship, followed by our Bible lesson for the night, then moves on to projects or games and concludes with small group discussion and snack. Schedule - 6:15-6:30 PM: Check-in - 6:30-8:00 PM: Program - 8:00PM: Pick-up Remember to keep your parent pick-up tag for retrieval at the end of the night. Parent Resource List Bold and Brave Go Brave Girls Go Peace Kids Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Samuel Thaler Bold Boys Coordinator Contact Us Go Interested in Serving? Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Samuel Thaler Bold Boys Coordinator Interested in Serving? Go Contact Kid's Ministry Admin Go Learn More Samuel Thaler Bold Boys Coordinator Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Interested in Serving? Go

As Long As It Doesn't Hurt Someone Else September 15, 2024 As Long As It Doesn't Hurt Someone Else Sermon Series: Calling Out Cultural Lies Download PDF 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 Main Idea Our faith should be to our neighbor's benefit. Outline 1. Bring good to others (vv23-24) 2. Bring Glory to God (vv25-31) 3. Bring the Gospel to everyone (vv32-33) Discussion Questions How do we define what it means to “hurt someone else”? Are there actions that might not seem harmful but can have unintended consequences for others? Can you think of examples from your own life? Do you believe that morality is determined only by the consequences of actions on others, or do other factors (such as personal character, relationship with God) matter as well? Why? What steps can we take personally to ensure that our actions reflect Christ’s love, beyond just considering whether they harm others? How does self-sacrifice and service fit into this? Sometimes, the effects of our actions on others aren’t immediately visible. Can you think of situations where something might not appear to harm someone else, but in the long run, it does? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

The Destruction of Gluttony September 28, 2025 The Destruction of Gluttony Sermon Series: Weeds Download PDF Philippians 3:18-21 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Main Idea Outline Digging In Gluttony is embracing deviance (vv18-19a) Gluttony is ingesting destruction (vv19b-20a) Gluttony is inviting distraction (vv20b-21) Pulling Weeds The Cross models selflessness Godliness guards your Yes with a thousand No’s Don’t let the temporary determine your eternal Discussion Questions Read Philippians 3:18-21. Paul contrasts those who live as enemies of the cross with those whose citizenship is in heaven. What stands out most to you in this passage? Verse 19 says, “Their god is their stomach.” What do you think Paul means by that? How might gluttony include more than just food? What kinds of things—comforts, pleasures, desires—can become a “stomach god” in our culture today? Paul describes those ruled by their appetites as headed for destruction. Why do you think unchecked gluttony leads to destruction in body, mind, and spirit? In contrast, Paul lifts our eyes to heaven, reminding us that our citizenship is there. How does focusing on our heavenly citizenship give us power to resist earthly excesses? Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. What does it mean to “eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”? How does this reframe the way we think about food and desire? Theological Reflection Gluttony is ultimately not about food but about worship. It reveals whether we worship the Creator or created things. How does this perspective change how we approach habits of eating, drinking, consuming, or indulging? Application This week, identify one area where the desire for comfort or excess has too much control in your life. Pray for God’s strength to surrender it. Practice gratitude before each meal—not just a quick prayer, but truly thanking God for His provision and asking Him to help you glorify Him in how you eat and live. Consider fasting from food or another appetite-driven practice for one meal or one day this week as a way to re-center your heart on Christ. Closing If Paul says “their end is destruction, their god is their stomach,” how can your life show the opposite—that your end is glory, your God is Christ, and your mind is set on heaven? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

It’ll Be More Bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah April 19, 2026 It’ll Be More Bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah Sermon Series: Lines in the Sand Download PDF Mathew 10:1-15 1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. Main Idea THE LINE IN THE SAND IS THIS: WELCOME THE KINGDOM AT HAND OR WELCOME THE JUDGMENT TO COME. Outline THE KINGDOM’S WORKERS: THE GOSPEL IS THE PRIORITY (VV1–4) THE KINGDOM’S WORK: THE GOSPEL IS THE PROCLAMATION (VV5–9) THE KINGDOM’S WARNING: THE GOSPEL IS A PROMISE (VV11–15) Discussion Questions THE KINGDOM’S WORKERS: THE GOSPEL IS THE PRIORITY (VV1–4) Why is it significant that Jesus gives authority to ordinary men, rather than accomplishing this mission alone? What does it teach us that their authority is given, not earned? How does this challenge the way we think about who God uses for His work? In what ways can you be tempted to believe you are not “qualified” to be used by God? If the Gospel is truly the priority, how should that reshape your time, conversations, and focus this week? THE KINGDOM’S WORK: THE GOSPEL IS THE PROCLAMATION (VV5–9) Why does Jesus send the disciples with a message, not just acts of power? What does it mean that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”? How does this message go beyond just personal salvation and speak to all of life? What would it look like for you this week to both proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel in a tangible way? THE KINGDOM’S WARNING: THE GOSPEL IS A PROMISE (VV11–15) What does Jesus mean by finding someone “worthy” in a town? Why is it important to recognize that not everyone will receive the message? How does Jesus’ instruction to “shake the dust off your feet” challenge the way we think about rejection? When have you experienced resistance or rejection when it comes to your faith? How should we balance persistence in sharing the Gospel with wisdom about when it is time to move on? What makes Jesus’ warning about judgment so serious, and why do we tend to avoid thinking about it? How does this passage confront the idea that “most people are probably fine” spiritually? Looking Forward Where in your life right now are you being confronted with this line in the sand, and what is one specific step you will take this week to more clearly welcome and live under the rule of King Jesus? Prayer Focus Pray for… A deeper conviction that the Gospel is the highest priority in life Boldness to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand Hearts that trust God rather than relying on comfort, security, or control Wisdom to know when to stay and when to move on in relationships and conversations Courage to face rejection without fear or discouragement Clarity about the reality of judgment and the urgency of the Gospel Repentance from comparing ourselves to others instead of God’s standard A growing desire to see others welcomed into the Kingdom of God Faith that leads to action, not just belief Lives that reflect the reality that Jesus is King right now

You Will Be Hated for My Name’s Sake April 26, 2026 You Will Be Hated for My Name’s Sake Sermon Series: Lines in the Sand Download PDF Matthew 10:16-23 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Main Idea THE LINE IN THE SAND IS THIS… TO FOLLOW CHRIST MEANS HATE WILL FOLLOW Outline DON’T GIVE THEM A REASON TO HATE YOU…THEY ALREADY WILL (V16) DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE WORST…GOD IS WITH YOU (VV17–20) DON’T LET THE HATE STOP YOU…GOD’S PLAN IS UNFOLDING (VV21–23) Discussion Questions DON’T GIVE THEM A REASON TO HATE YOU…THEY ALREADY WILL (V16) What does it mean to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” in everyday life? Where do you see the temptation to be harsh, sarcastic, or dismissive toward people who disagree with you? How can strong convictions and genuine love exist together in your conversations and relationships? In what situations are you most tempted to prioritize being right over being Christlike? What would it look like this week to represent Jesus with both truth and grace in a real, specific interaction? DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE WORST…GOD IS WITH YOU (VV17–20) What stands out to you about the kinds of opposition Jesus says His followers will face? How does knowing that the Spirit will give you words change the way you think about sharing your faith? When have you experienced fear or anxiety about speaking up for your faith? What would it look like to trust that God is with you in those moments instead of avoiding them? How does this passage challenge the idea that following Jesus should make life easier? DON’T LET THE HATE STOP YOU…GOD’S PLAN IS UNFOLDING (VV21–23) What surprises you most about the level of division Jesus says the Gospel can bring, even within families? Why is it important to remember the phrase “for my name’s sake”? How can we tell the difference between being rejected for Jesus and being rejected for our own behavior? What does it mean to “endure to the end,” and how is that different from earning salvation? Where are you most tempted to shrink back or stay silent because of potential rejection? What would it look like for you to remain faithful to Jesus even if it costs you relationally or socially? How does trusting that “God’s plan is unfolding” give you courage to keep going? Looking Forward Where in your life right now are you tempted to avoid being identified with Jesus, and what is one specific step you will take this week to follow Him faithfully, even if it costs you? Prayer Focus Pray for… Hearts that value the love of God more than the approval of people Wisdom to live with both truth and grace in a hostile or skeptical world Courage to speak about Jesus without fear or hesitation Trust that God is present and active in moments of pressure or opposition Endurance to remain faithful when following Jesus becomes costly Discernment to know when rejection is for Christ’s sake and when it is not Repentance for times we have been harsh, prideful, or unloving Strength to stand firm in faith even when relationships are strained Confidence that God’s plan is unfolding, even through difficulty A deeper commitment to follow Jesus no matter the cost