Thoughts, Messages, Devotions, and Ponderings from a Christ Follower, Husband, Father, and Pastor.

Jonathon VanderWall

Sunday, July 17, 2022 
Genesis 27:46 - 31:55 
"Jacob's Family Grows" 
Pastor Jonathon VanderWall Preaching

Sunday, July 17, 2022
Genesis 27:46 - 31:55 
"Jacob's Family Grows"
Pastor Jonathon VanderWall Preaching

Genesis 27:46 - 31:55 "Jacob's Family Grows"

Thoughts for Reflection: 
Over the last two weeks we have been talking about the characteristics of Scripture; its Authority, Necessity, Clarity, and Sufficiency. We have spent a lot of time in the first unit talking about the foundational nature of God’s Word, what it tells us about God, and what it says about itself as well. In doing so, we have laid out an argument for the priority of God’s Word, the Bible, in the lives of Christ-followers and thus how it is to be the lens through which we view and interpret our culture and the world around us. 
 
Last week we talked about what makes up Scripture, namely the books of the Old and New Testament. We continue that discussion about the “sufficiency of Scripture” this week by talking about how we are not to change Scripture. While saying that we are “not to change God’s Word” may seem somewhat self-evident, we find ourselves in a constant barrage of suggested alterations. Whether it comes from within the church, labeling something sinful as being “ok” or it comes from Christian political commentators referencing a party or election outcome, we must always be on alert, ready to test what we hear against the timeless Word of God. 
 
Questions to take home: 
Have you ever heard someone say, “God told me ________”? How did that statement make you feel? Why do you think you reacted the way you did? How did their statement line up with what you know of Scripture? 
Who are some of the obvious false teachers out there that you can think of? What makes their message false? How does the world see them and respond to them? What does that tell you about their message? 
Is there anyone in your sphere of influence/influencers (friends, family, news, podcasters, etc.) that has made a false prediction? Have any of them done that with God’s name attached to it? What have you done with those individuals as far as the influence they have on your life and faith? What does our Scripture today have to say about that? Where/what/who does Scripture say is the source of such false prophecies & predictions?

Thoughts for Reflection:
Over the last two weeks we have been talking about the characteristics of Scripture; its Authority, Necessity, Clarity, and Sufficiency.  We have spent a lot of time in the first unit talking about the foundational nature of God’s Word, what it tells us about God, and what it says about itself as well.  In doing so, we have laid out an argument for the priority of God’s Word, the Bible, in the lives of Christ-followers and thus how it is to be the lens through which we view and interpret our culture and the world around us.

Last week we talked about what makes up Scripture, namely the books of the Old and New Testament.  We continue that discussion about the “sufficiency of Scripture” this week by talking about how we are not to change Scripture.  While saying that we are “not to change God’s Word” may seem somewhat self-evident, we find ourselves in a constant barrage of suggested alterations.  Whether it comes from within the church, labeling something sinfu

Deuteronomy 18:14-22; Galatians 1:6-10 - "Don't Change God's Word"

Pastor Jim Harrison Preaching 
 
Sermon Title: “Love & Honor His Word” 
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-11, 44, 48, 72, 89, 97-100, 103, 105 
Key Verses to Study: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21 
Sermon Outline 
A. Why We Love and Honor God’s Word 
1. The Scriptures are _________________________________________ (2 Timothy 3:16) 
2. God’s Word is given ___________________________ in the ministry (1 Timothy 4:12-13) 
3. The Bible’s unique authorship: human or divine? (2 Peter 1:20-21) 
4. The Bible has special QUALITIES: 
a) It is _____________________________________ (Psalm 119:89 & Isaiah 40:8) 
b) Functions as a _____________________________ for us (Psalm 119:105) 
c) Has power to ______________________________ (2 Timothy 3:15 & Romans 10:17) 
d) Makes us _________________________________ & more discerning (Psalm 119:98-100) 
e) Is extremely _______________________________ (Psalm 119:72) 
f) Loaded with _______________________________we all need (Psalm 119:103) 
B. Public Reading of Scripture – Case Study 
1. Ezra reads God’s Law aloud (Nehemiah 8:3-4a) 
2. Hearers actively _______________________________ to it (Nehemiah 8:5-6) 
3. Ministry of God’s Word included at least 3 elements: 
a) _____________________________ of the Word (Nehemiah 8:4-6) 
b) _____________________________ in the Word (Nehemiah 8:7-8) 
c) _____________________________ of the Word (Nehemiah 8:9-12) 
C. Loving & Honoring God’s Word Today 
1. Acknowledge the _____________________________ of the public reading of Scripture. 
2. Read and be _________________________________ to God’s Holy Word. 
3. Be committed to the ___________________________ of God’s Word. 
4. Make a commitment to _________________________ God’s Word.

Pastor Jim Harrison Preaching

Sermon Title: “Love & Honor His Word”
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-11, 44, 48, 72, 89, 97-100, 103, 105
Key Verses to Study: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21
Sermon Outline
A. Why We Love and Honor God’s Word
1. The Scriptures are _________________________________________ (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. God’s Word is given ___________________________ in the ministry (1 Timothy 4:12-13)
3. The Bible’s unique authorship: human or divine? (2 Peter 1:20-21)
4. The Bible has special QUALITIES:
a) It is _____________________________________ (Psalm 119:89 & Isaiah 40:8)
b) Functions as a _____________________________ for us (Psalm 119:105)
c) Has power to ______________________________ (2 Timothy 3:15 & Romans 10:17)
d) Makes us _________________________________ & more discerning (Psalm 119:98-100)
e) Is extremely _______________________________ (Psalm 119:72)
f) Loaded with _______________________________we all need (Psalm 119:103)
B. Public Reading of Scripture – C

2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21 "God's Word is our Guide"

Pastor Jim Harrison Preaching 
 
Bulletin Insert: 
https://www.hopkinscommunitychurch.net/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210926061718846.pdf

Pastor Jim Harrison Preaching

Bulletin Insert:
https://www.hopkinscommunitychurch.net/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210926061718846.pdf

Exodus 20:1-6, 34:4-8, 14 "The Attributes of God"

Thoughts for Reflection: 
All believers are called to be faithful Gospel witnesses to the places we live, work, and play. This isn’t just for the professionals. We are Christ’s Ambassadors; our homes are Kingdom outposts. Our jobs, schools, neighborhoods, parks and grocery stores are mission fields to which we are called. Christ’s call to all believers as He returned to Heaven was to “Preach the Gospel” and “Make Disciples”. The Good News (GOSPEL) of Jesus Christ, God making a way for people to be right with Him, is something we need to share. 
 
In our last message on “Effective Evangelism” we talked about the ART of Sharing. This involves sharing our story, our experience with Christ and how we have been changed by the Gospel message. It also involves us sharing the Gospel message with others. Over the next three weeks we are going to talk specifically and practically about sharing that very message in a conversational and relational way. It all starts with God’s design. 
 
Questions to take home: 
How does the Genesis account of creation color your understanding of God? Read Psalm 139. How does this passage add to the creation narrative? What does it mean to be “created in God’s image”? 
Today we celebrate the Lord’s supper, a picture of our restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. How does this sacrament remind you of God’s design for our relationship with Him? How does it show us the pathway to that restored relationship? 
Think of one or two people you know that do not follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Commit to praying for opportunities to turn everyday conversations into Gospel Conversations, that God would draw these people to His Son, Jesus.

Thoughts for Reflection:
All believers are called to be faithful Gospel witnesses to the places we live, work, and play.  This isn’t just for the professionals.  We are Christ’s Ambassadors; our homes are Kingdom outposts.  Our jobs, schools, neighborhoods, parks and grocery stores are mission fields to which we are called.  Christ’s call to all believers as He returned to Heaven was to “Preach the Gospel” and “Make Disciples”.  The Good News (GOSPEL) of Jesus Christ, God making a way for people to be right with Him, is something we need to share.

In our last message on “Effective Evangelism” we talked about the ART of Sharing.  This involves sharing our story, our experience with Christ and how we have been changed by the Gospel message.  It also involves us sharing the Gospel message with others.  Over the next three weeks we are going to talk specifically and practically about sharing that very message in a conversational and relational way.  It all starts with God’s design.

Quest

Genesis 1:24-2:3; Psalm 139:13-18 "3-Rings Evangelism: God's Design"

Thoughts for Reflection: 
Today we close our long-standing series of sermons focusing on our Mission, Values, and Vision with a brief return to the topic of “Radical Obedience.” We do so, today, using the familiar words of the Hebrew “Shema,” the first and greatest commandment that Jesus attested to in His ministry. This passage, a combination of both Creed and Command, represents the fundamental identity and directive of God’s people, and it places God at the center of their faith and life. 
 
The core of the Shema is the way in which God’s people love God with all (every aspect) of their heart (mind & emotions), soul (personality, interactions, work, etc.), and “strength” (muchness). The Hebrew word “me’od” which is translated as “strength” is actually an adjective and is translated as “very” or “greatly” in much of the Old Testament. It is an emphasizing word, making whatever is applied to it substantially larger. Today we look at what “me’od” obedience looks like as we apply it to our lives and the ministry of HCC. 
 
Questions to take home: 
Read Mark 12:41-44. What does Jesus say about this woman’s gifts? What contrast does Jesus draw here? How does our understanding of “me’od” amplify the meaning of this narrative? 
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. We often talk about giving in terms of a “tithe” or 10%. What does Paul say about that here? How would the understanding of the word “me’od” be applied to this? 
Take some time to pray this week. Intentionally set aside 15 minutes each day and ask God to show you where He is pushing you toward “me’od” obedience. Spend most of that time listening. What did you hear? How will you respond?

Thoughts for Reflection:
Today we close our long-standing series of sermons focusing on our Mission, Values, and Vision with a brief return to the topic of “Radical Obedience.”  We do so, today, using the familiar words of the Hebrew “Shema,” the first and greatest commandment that Jesus attested to in His ministry.  This passage, a combination of both Creed and Command, represents the fundamental identity and directive of God’s people, and it places God at the center of their faith and life.

The core of the Shema is the way in which God’s people love God with all (every aspect) of their heart (mind & emotions), soul (personality, interactions, work, etc.), and “strength” (muchness).  The Hebrew word “me’od” which is translated as “strength” is actually an adjective and is translated as “very” or “greatly” in much of the Old Testament.  It is an emphasizing word, making whatever is applied to it substantially larger.  Today we look at what “me’od” obedience looks like as we apply it t

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 "Radical Me'od Obedience"

Scripture Passages: 
 1 John 4:7-21 
 
Message Title: 
 The ART of Loving 
 
Thoughts for Reflection (A club for your “Evangelism Golf Bag”): 
“From now on, we no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view.” 2 Corinthians 5:16 
Love. It is one of the most important words in all of Scripture. We are reminded that God is love and that the very definition of love is found in God and is seen in His action toward us. The Bible tells us that, even while we were still God’s enemies, He sent His Son Jesus to die so that our relationship with Him could be restored. Regardless of the ways culture tries to co-opt or redefine the word, God’s love and purpose stands FOREVER marked as His constant work to draw humanity back into relationship with Himself. 
Knowing that God loves us isn’t the end of the story though. As we have been talking about, we are Christ’s ambassadors, modeling Him with our lives. God’s radical love for us is one that we are called to emulate in our relationships with others. Just as God has freely offered His love to us, so too we love others unconditionally, setting ourselves (opinions, assumptions, feelings, etc.) aside for the sake of Christ. 
 
Something to take home (Practice using the club): 
How would you describe the way God sees you and loves you? Make a list. How does this list clarify the way we are called to show God’s love to other people? 
What does it mean to show God’s love to a stranger? What are some practical ways you can bless those around you this week and shower them with God’s love? 
Read Luke 6:27-36. Who is in your life today that fits this category. Pray for them right now. How is God prompting you to reconcile with this person? How can you show them God’s love? 
Who has God put on your heart today? How does He want to use your unique love and care to impact this person’s life?

Scripture Passages:
 1 John 4:7-21

Message Title:
 The ART of Loving

Thoughts for Reflection (A club for your “Evangelism Golf Bag”):
“From now on, we no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view.”  2 Corinthians 5:16
Love.  It is one of the most important words in all of Scripture.  We are reminded that God is love and that the very definition of love is found in God and is seen in His action toward us.  The Bible tells us that, even while we were still God’s enemies, He sent His Son Jesus to die so that our relationship with Him could be restored.  Regardless of the ways culture tries to co-opt or redefine the word, God’s love and purpose stands FOREVER marked as His constant work to draw humanity back into relationship with Himself.
Knowing that God loves us isn’t the end of the story though.  As we have been talking about, we are Christ’s ambassadors, modeling Him with our lives.  God’s radical love for us is one that we are called to emulate in our relationships with oth

1 John 4:9-11, 16-17, 19-21; Ephesians 1:3-5; 3:14-21 "The ART of Loving"

Thoughts for Reflection: 
Jesus-followers talk at length about the death of Jesus. For many of us, we believe Jesus’ death is the main event of Holy Week. We say, and rightly so, that He died for our sins; through His blood we are washed clean. When we think about what God accomplished for us, we think of the cross. Truly no amount of words or sermons can ever exhaust the magnitude of Jesus’ death. 
The great celebration of the Christian faith, however, does not revolve around the cross but instead comes three days later on what we know as Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. Naturally, then, the question arises: “Why is Jesus’ resurrection so important?” God’s answer, as we’ll hear this morning, is that the Resurrection of Jesus literally affirms and confirms everything about WHO Jesus is, WHAT He did, His victory over death, gives us reason to BELIEVE and offers us the ASSURANCE of the HOPE of SALVATION now and forevermore. 
Questions to take home: 
When you think about the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins, do you find yourself drawn more toward the cross and the events of Jesus’ death or the empty tomb and Jesus’ resurrection? Why do you think that is? 
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-28. What are some of the major impacts of the Resurrection that Paul lists here? Can you think of others that he doesn’t mention here? Which of these great things do you find most resonates with you and why? 
How will you take the joy and hope of the Good News of Jesus' death AND resurrection with you into this next week? What will it change for you and who will you tell that Jesus is alive?

Thoughts for Reflection:
Jesus-followers talk at length about the death of Jesus.  For many of us, we believe Jesus’ death is the main event of Holy Week.  We say, and rightly so, that He died for our sins; through His blood we are washed clean.  When we think about what God accomplished for us, we think of the cross.  Truly no amount of words or sermons can ever exhaust the magnitude of Jesus’ death.
The great celebration of the Christian faith, however, does not revolve around the cross but instead comes three days later on what we know as Resurrection (Easter) Sunday.  Naturally, then, the question arises: “Why is Jesus’ resurrection so important?”  God’s answer, as we’ll hear this morning, is that the Resurrection of Jesus literally affirms and confirms everything about WHO Jesus is, WHAT He did, His victory  over death, gives us reason to BELIEVE and offers us the ASSURANCE of the HOPE of SALVATION now and forevermore.
Questions to take home:
When you think about the Gospel and th

Luke 24:1-11; John 20:3-10 "Why Jesus' Resurrection is Important"

Sunday, March 14, 2021 
 
Thoughts for Reflection: 
Christian obedience flows out of the Identity that is given us in Christ when we come to faith in Him. It is not, as we have discussed, done out of obligation or with the notion that we can earn or maintain our status before God. Obedience to Christ and His Word come as a grateful response to all that has been accomplished on our behalf through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. God invites us to see ourselves as He sees us, to live into the Identity He graciously gives us, and to then become what He has declared us to be. 
 
As we think about Radical Obedience to the Holy Spirit as one of the ways we will be driven to carry out our Vision of boldly bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to every household in the greater Hopkins community, we turn our attention to those things which inhibit obedience. Fear, control, doubt, and presumption all fall into this list and show themselves as the opposite of discernment, trust and confident obedience. This morning we will look at several narratives in Scripture that illustrate the importance of ridding our lives of these enemies of obedience. 
 
Questions to take home: 
We read several narratives about people who struggled with obedience to God’s direction. What one of these narratives do you resonate with the most? How is God speaking into your life through it and what is He asking you to do? 
 
How would you define “Radical Obedience” after what we’ve talked about over the last several weeks (Colossians 3:1-17, Romans 8:1-4, James 4:13-17)? How is God urging you to make adjustments in your life to be more radically obedient to His direction? 
 
Would you say that you are “fully dependent” on God? Why or why not? Is there anything in your life that you need to alter to move toward greater dependence on God? 
 
Read Proverbs 3:4-5. This week, I encourage you to memorize these two verses. As you pray this week, ask God to help you live into them. When you find yourself struggling, quote it to yourself and ask God for wisdom on how to handle what you are experiencing.

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Thoughts for Reflection:
Christian obedience flows out of the Identity that is given us in Christ when we come to faith in Him.  It is not, as we have discussed, done out of obligation or with the notion that we can earn or maintain our status before God.  Obedience to Christ and His Word come as a grateful response to all that has been accomplished on our behalf through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  God invites us to see ourselves as He sees us, to live into the Identity He graciously gives us, and to then become what He has declared us to be.

As we think about Radical Obedience to the Holy Spirit as one of the ways we will be driven to carry out our Vision of boldly bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to every household in the greater Hopkins community, we turn our attention to those things which inhibit obedience.  Fear, control, doubt, and presumption all fall into this list and show themselves as the opposite of discernment, trust and co

James 4:13-17 "The Enemies of Obedience"

Thoughts for Reflection: 
God is a God of both mission and vision. From the very beginning, God’s mission in creation was to love and live in relationship with humanity that would also love and worship Him. When creation was broken through Adam and Eve’s sin, God laid out a vision to repair and redeem all of creation, because of His great love, through His mercy, grace, and sacrifice. This Vision was realized by the death and resurrection of Jesus and a new Vision, that of a great multitude of worshippers and a New Heaven and Earth, recorded in Revelation became the new Vision of God to be realized when Jesus comes again. 
 
God’s mission, from the very beginning, has not changed. His vision, however, has seen many seasons and shifts as God works out His will to its ultimate end. Hopkins Community Church exists to connect people to Christ and Community; this is our mission and it has been a part of who we are… in our “DNA” for much of HCC’s existence. Today we begin to lay the groundwork of a 7-year vision to boldly bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the community of Hopkins through Expectant Prayer, Effective Evangelism, and Radical Obedience to the Holy Spirit. 
 
Questions to take home: 
The terms “mission” and “vision” get thrown around a lot, yet they are not the same thing. How would you say that mission and vision are different, and how are they related? Have you ever considered what your personal “mission” and your current “vision” are for your life? 
Have you ever thought about what God’s ultimate “mission” is? How does understanding His mission better help us to understand and participate in our Scripturally given roll? What is our Scripturally given roll in God’s mission? 
How does God’s vision for HCC over the next 7 years strike you? Are you excited? Overwhelmed? Skeptical? What do you think it is going to take for us to get there and how do you see yourself as a part of it? Would you commit to praying for HCC and about this Vision in the next couple of months as we start moving forward with it?

Thoughts for Reflection:
God is a God of both mission and vision.  From the very beginning, God’s mission in creation was to love and live in relationship with humanity that would also love and worship Him.  When creation was broken through Adam and Eve’s sin, God laid out a vision to repair and redeem all of creation, because of His great love, through His mercy, grace, and sacrifice.  This Vision was realized by the death and resurrection of Jesus and a new Vision, that of a great multitude of worshippers and a New Heaven and Earth, recorded in Revelation became the new Vision of God to be realized when Jesus comes again.

God’s mission, from the very beginning, has not changed.  His vision, however, has seen many seasons and shifts as God works out His will to its ultimate end.  Hopkins Community Church exists to connect people to Christ and Community; this is our mission and it has been a part of who we are… in our “DNA” for much of HCC’s existence.  Today we begin to lay the groun

Luke 4:16-21; Matthew 9:35-38, 28:18-20; Acts 1:8 "A God-Sized Dream"

Luke 9:1-6, 10 "Making Disciples Jesus' Way"

Thoughts for Reflection: 
 
We all have high hopes for 2021, especially after the year that we’ve just had. You don’t have to look far, however, to see that any immediate change for the better is still fairly far into the future. Whether it is mutated strains of COVID-19, continuing political turmoil, the moral degradation of society, increased tensions in the Middle East, or the general darkness of the winter season, pinning our hopes on something worldly to go right is ultimately a fruitless endeavor. 
 
 
When the Kingdom of Judah was dragged into captivity, having lost any sense of “normal” for their lives, God spoke to them words of comfort and reassurance. Even in the swirling chaos that they experienced, God was there and He was still actively working in and through His people. Rather than sitting and waiting, protesting or resisting, God encourages His people to “settle down” and live as His people in a foreign and hostile land. Perhaps it is time for the Church to do the same and recognize that, even though our world has “changed”, we are still called to the same mission, serving the same unchanging God. 
 
 
Questions to take home: 
What is one thing that you’ve been holding on to this year hoping it would return to normal soon? Do you think that holding on to this has been hindering you in any way? How could you experience freedom in your life by giving it to God? 
How does thinking about our current life as the “new normal” change your perspective for how you think about the things going on around you? How does your view of God’s work in and through you change? 
We, the church, are called to be “Christ’s Hands and Feet”, to minister and proclaim the Gospel in the context that we are in. What do you think needs to change for us if we are to do this effectively? What about for you?

Thoughts for Reflection:

We all have high hopes for 2021, especially after the year that we’ve just had.  You don’t have to look far, however, to see that any immediate change for the better is still fairly far into the future.  Whether it is mutated strains of COVID-19, continuing political turmoil, the moral degradation of society, increased tensions in the Middle East, or the general darkness of the winter season, pinning our hopes on something worldly to go right is ultimately a fruitless endeavor.


When the Kingdom of Judah was dragged into captivity, having lost any sense of “normal” for their lives, God spoke to them words of comfort and reassurance.  Even in the swirling chaos that they experienced, God was there and He was still actively working in and through His people.  Rather than sitting and waiting, protesting or resisting, God encourages His people to “settle down” and live as His people in a foreign and hostile land.  Perhaps it is time for the Church to do the same 

Jeremiah 29:4-14 "Settle In"

Each week, as we leave our corporate worship, we claim and remember that we go in and with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  Last week we talked about what we mean when we think about the “presence” of the Holy Spirit, God literally living in us as our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Teacher. 
 
Today, then, we turn our focus on the Holy Spirit towards His power.  There is a wide array of concepts and thoughts that come to mind when we talk about the Holy Spirit’s power.  We may range from a sort of Star Wars “force” type concept to images of Pentecostal worship services, from speaking in tongues to cessationist views that none of this exists anymore.  Scripture has much to say on this subject, bringing clarity on living each day in the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Questions to take home: 
 
What are some of your initial thoughts about the “power” of the Holy Spirit?  How were those notions confirmed or challenged by the Scripture passages in today’s message?  In what ways will this lead to a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? 
Read Galatians 5:13-26.  What does this passage have to say about living in the power of the Holy Spirit?  What is your gut reaction to this passage as part of a conversation about the Holy Spirit’s power?  How do you feel this passage is speaking to you today? 
Read 1 Corinthians 2. What does this passage have to say about the power of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s life and ministry?  Reading this, how would you expect to see the Holy Spirit’s work in your own life and faith journey? 
 
The Power to... 
 
Believe - 1 Thessalonians 1:4 
 
Hope - Ephesians 1:17-20; Romans 15:13 
 
Trust - John 16:7 
 
Peace - Romans 8:6 
 
Live - Romans 8:9-13 
 
Obey - Galatians 5:16-26 
 
Know the Love of God - Ephesians 3:16-20 
 
Understand Scripture - Luke 24:45-49 
 
Witness - Luke 12:12, Romans 15:17-21

Each week, as we leave our corporate worship, we claim and remember that we go in and with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  Last week we talked about what we mean when we think about the “presence” of the Holy Spirit, God literally living in us as our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Teacher.

Today, then, we turn our focus on the Holy Spirit towards His power.  There is a wide array of concepts and thoughts that come to mind when we talk about the Holy Spirit’s power.  We may range from a sort of Star Wars “force” type concept to images of Pentecostal worship services, from speaking in tongues to cessationist views that none of this exists anymore.  Scripture has much to say on this subject, bringing clarity on living each day in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Questions to take home:

What are some of your initial thoughts about the “power” of the Holy Spirit?  How were those notions confirmed or challen

Ephesians 1:17-20, 3:16-20 "Holy Spirit Power"

The angel declares to the shepherds, “unto you is born this day…” as they deliver the good news of Jesus’ birth. Often, I think, we take the *you* of that very literally, remembering and celebrating that Jesus indeed came for us, His people. Culture only serves to emphasize this reality, encouraging it with self-centered materialism and commercialism. 
 
Yet, the very fact that Jesus’ birth is announced to shepherds, the lowest of the low in society reminds us that Jesus came for “them” as well. Looking further into Jesus’ life and ministry, we see very clearly that those we often forget, the least, last and lost of the world, the “them” people in our lives, are exactly who Jesus came to save. After all, to God, we were on the outside at one point as well. We run the risk of uncoupling the bigger picture of God’s salvation plan for the world when we forget the true nature and meaning of Christmas and the Incarnation. 
 
Questions to take home: 
What are, or have been, some of your favorite ways to celebrate Christmas? Who do they involve and what makes them special for you? Of these memories, how many involve people outside your normal family, friend, work, or church circles? 
Think about the contrast of people who were a part of the Christmas narrative. What differences do you see here? How do these differences inform how we think about the “big picture” of Christmas and Jesus’ mission in the world? 
In your life, who are the “outsiders” that you find yourself associating with normally? How could your Christmas celebrations or reflections include them? How can you follow Christ in His mission to bring “Good News of great joy for all people”?

The angel declares to the shepherds, “unto you is born this day…” as they deliver the good news of Jesus’ birth.  Often, I think, we take the *you* of that very literally, remembering and celebrating that Jesus indeed came for us, His people.  Culture only serves to emphasize this reality, encouraging it with self-centered materialism and commercialism.

Yet, the very fact that Jesus’ birth is announced to shepherds, the lowest of the low in society reminds us that Jesus came for “them” as well.  Looking further into Jesus’ life and ministry, we see very clearly that those we often forget, the least, last and lost of the world, the “them” people in our lives, are exactly who Jesus came to save.  After all, to God, we were on the outside at one point as well.  We run the risk of uncoupling the bigger picture of God’s salvation plan for the world when we forget the true nature and meaning of Christmas and the Incarnation.

Questions to take home:
What are, or have been, some of your favo

Luke 2:8-12; John 1:14; 3:16; Luke 4:16-20; Matthew 25:31-46 "Love All"

Pray 
Philippians 4:6-7 
Ephesians 6:10-20 
James 1:5-8; 5:13 
 
Reflect 
Matthew 6:25-34 
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 
Psalm 139:1-5, 23-24 
 
Listen 
James 1:19 (through 22) 
Colossians 3:12-17 
 
Listening well leads to Reconciliation 
2 Corinthians 5:18 
Ephesians 4:32 
Matthew 5:9 (James 3:17-18), 23-24 
Matthew 18:15-17 
 
Thank 
Philippians 1:3-6 
 
Focus 
Romans 8:31-39 
Hebrews 12:1-2

Pray
Philippians 4:6-7
Ephesians 6:10-20
James 1:5-8; 5:13

Reflect
Matthew 6:25-34
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11
Psalm 139:1-5, 23-24

Listen
James 1:19 (through 22)
Colossians 3:12-17

Listening well leads to Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18
Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 5:9 (James 3:17-18), 23-24
Matthew 18:15-17

Thank
Philippians 1:3-6

Focus
Romans 8:31-39
Hebrews 12:1-2

Romans 8:17-39 "Reflections"

2 Corinthians 9:8 "Be a Blessing" - Cadet Sunday

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 "Testimony"

Introduction Video Credit: "Rooted week 8: Whiteboard Money" 
https://youtu.be/aRE3tTbXGHg 
 
Everyone needs money. You need money to purchase the necessities of life. The government needs your money to continue to function. Non-profit groups need your money to continue to serve in their varying capacities. Businesses need your money in order to make money and pay their employees. Producers need money to sustain themselves and provide for their families. Everyone needs money… except for God. 
 
God doesn’t need money; in fact, God doesn’t need anything. God is the one that provides us with the things that we need, money being just one of those things. However, God does want our money in the same way He wants everything else He has blessed us. Our Lord wants our money, time, energy, and everything else to be used to honor Him above all else. Ultimately the use of those things comes from what is in our heart, and that is what He wants most of all. 
 
Questions to take home: 
Why do you think that is it difficult to talk about money with other people? Why is it difficult for us to talk about money in the church? 
 
The Bible talks a lot about the “first fruits” when it comes to giving to God. Why do you think that giving the first fruits of our resources/blessings is important? 
 
Does the way that you use the money and resources that God has blessed you with honor Him? If so, how? If not, are there steps you can take to move toward honoring God first with your money? 
 
Scripture Passages Referenced: Matthew 6:19-24; Deuteronomy 6:5; Exodus 20:3; Proverbs 22:7; Colossians 3:24; 1 Peter 2:16; Psalm 62:10; Luke 16:14-15; Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:25; 1 Chronicles 29:14; Philippians 4:19; Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:10; Deuteronomy 16:17; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 8:5; Psalm 121; Matthew 15:8

Introduction Video Credit: "Rooted week 8: Whiteboard Money" https://youtu.be/aRE3tTbXGHg Everyone needs money. You need ...

Matthew 6:19-24 "Treasured Possession"

As we come into worship today, we celebrate “Christ the King” Sunday. Traditionally, this is the end of the church year, a time in which we anticipate and celebrate the second coming of Jesus Christ, the culmination of the coming of His Kingdom here on earth. We wait expectantly for the fulness of Jesus’ transforming work to fully manifest itself here on earth. 
 
Unlike a book, which when finished is the end of the story, we look forward to this “end” as an ultimate new beginning. In a similar fashion to our salvation, which when accepted in our lives ushers into the beginning of eternity even here on earth, we wait with excitement and hope for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. When Jesus comes we will experience a completely renewed world in which sin and its effects will be wiped away forever! And so, this morning we say together with the Apostle John, “Amen! Come Lord Jesus!” 
 
Questions to take home: 
The Prophets declared the message of God’s coming Kingdom all the way back in the Old Testament. It is something that both “will happen” and “is happening.” In what ways are you experiencing the establishment of God’s Kingdom in your life? How is that transforming you? 
 
God’s Kingdom has come and is yet to come. This represents ongoing spiritual and physical transformation in the world. How do you see this happening around you? How are you called to participate in it? 
 
“Christ the King” Sunday represents both and end and a beginning. We anticipate and prepare for the coming King even as we transition into Advent, which is also a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus to the earth. How will you prepare this year? Are there things that could hinder or distract you from this preparation? How will you be alert to them?

As we come into worship today, we celebrate “Christ the King” Sunday.  Traditionally, this is the end of the church year, a time in which we anticipate and celebrate the second coming of Jesus Christ, the culmination of the coming of His Kingdom here on earth.  We wait expectantly for the fulness of Jesus’ transforming work to fully manifest itself here on earth.

Unlike a book, which when finished is the end of the story, we look forward to this “end” as an ultimate new beginning.  In a similar fashion to our salvation, which when accepted in our lives ushers into the beginning of eternity even here on earth, we wait with excitement and hope for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.  When Jesus comes we will experience a completely renewed world in which sin and its effects will be wiped away forever!  And so, this morning we say together with the Apostle John, “Amen!  Come Lord Jesus!”

Questions to take home:
The Prophets declared the message of God’s coming Kingdom all the way back 

Isaiah 2:2-5; Revelation 21:1-9 "Kingdom Come"

Scripture says that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The Bible also says that “faith, if not accompanied by action, is dead.” We often talk about faith as a subject, the concept that we are “saved by faith,” but what does that look like? 
 
Biblical faith is more than just a theological concept or a subject to discuss, it is a verb, an action word. Paul’s language in Ephesians 6 changes as he talks about “taking up” the shield of faith. For us, it means living out the things that we claim to believe on Sunday in our everyday lives. It means applying them to the situations we find ourselves in. When we stand on God’s promises and apply them to our lives, we take up the shield that defends us from the bombardment of doubts and fear that the enemy is sending our way. 
 
Questions to take home: 
Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you have bombarded with doubt, fear, or feelings of inadequacy? What impacts did that have on your life? How did you respond? What Scriptural truths do you think you could apply to a situation like that? 
Why do you think it is so hard for us to believe God’s promises? In what ways do we try to place conditions on them or water them down? 
What is that thing that God is calling you to right now that you need to step out in faith to actively answer that call? How are you going to take that first step?

Scripture says that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  The Bible also says that “faith, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”  We often talk about faith as a subject, the concept that we are “saved by faith,” but what does that look like?

Biblical faith is more than just a theological concept or a subject to discuss, it is a verb, an action word.  Paul’s language in Ephesians 6 changes as he talks about “taking up” the shield of faith.  For us, it means living out the things that we claim to believe on Sunday in our everyday lives.  It means applying them to the situations we find ourselves in.  When we stand on God’s promises and apply them to our lives, we take up the shield that defends us from the bombardment of doubts and fear that the enemy is sending our way.

Questions to take home:
Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you have bombarded with doubt, fear, or feelings of inadequacy?  What impacts did that have on your 

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