Faith

September 19, 2021 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Matthew 6:1–18

Perseverance

September 12, 2021 • Jonathan Pokluda • Hebrews 12:1–4, Galatians 5:7, 2 Timothy 4:7, 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, Isaiah 40:31

Do you ever feel tired as you try to live out your Christian faith? What does living faithfully for Jesus over a long period of time entail? As we continue our series, Family Matters, JP teaches through Hebrews 12:1-4, showing us the Christian life is a race and helping us understand what to expect as we run the race. KEY TAKEAWAYS -Just because you are tired doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing the Christian life wrong. You might be, but not necessarily. -Those who have gone before us in the faith from Hebrews 11 are witnessing—speaking—to us that it's worth it. -There are obstacles to the long run of faithfulness. -There are things in your life that aren't sin that hinder your faith. What are those things for you? Sports, fitness, your team, your job, shopping, social media, fishing…what is it for you? -Sin will literally weigh you down and affect you the longer you give yourself to it and hide it. -There is opposition in the long run of faithfulness. -There is no cruise control in Christianity. -The more you resist sin the more you are able to resist sin. -If you live your life by seeking out things that require little faith, you will continue to have little faith. On the contrary, when you pursue things that require more faith, your faith will grow. -When you persevere in the moment that you want to give up, you will get stronger. -People will ultimately always let you down. Jesus will never let you down. -Jesus is the object of our long run of faithfulness. -Grace both saves and sanctifies you. Only by the strength of the Holy Spirit and by daily surrendering your life can you live out good works in the Christian life. -The only way to make it through the Christian life is to preach the gospel to yourself every single day. -What are your eyes fixed on? What target are you aiming at? What race are you running? MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES -Suggested Scripture Study: Hebrews 12:1-4; Galatians 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 119:32; Romans 5:3; James 1:2-4; Galatians 3:3; Hebrews 11 -Sermon: Community

Community

September 5, 2021 • Nate Hilgenkamp • 1 Thessalonians 5:14–18

Have you ever had roommates before, or been in close proximity with other people for extended periods of time? What about living by yourself, or being alone for long periods of time? As we continue our series, Family Matters, Nate Hilgenkamp teaches us three characteristics of biblical community and the dangers of isolation by studying 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18. KEY TAKEAWAYS -Doing life with other people can be hard, but isolation is even harder and more dangerous. -Biblical community identifies needs. -There are three types of Life Groups: starving, exhausted, and potluck. -Starving groups are hungry and show up looking for other people to feed them. Everyone hopes everyone else does what they aren’t willing to do (and no one does anything). -Exhausted groups are busy doing too much all the time. They are so busy feeding others that they themselves get exhausted and worn out. -Potluck groups are made up of people where everyone brings something. Sometimes it’s more and sometimes it’s less, but what’s important is that people come and come ready. -Are you willing to lovingly call your brother or sister out when they are being idle or disruptive? -Do you care more about what people will think about you if you lovingly confront them or what will happen to them if they stay on a path of disobedience? -Someone who is disheartened does not need a lecture, a bunch of knowledge, or a list of things to do. They need someone to kindly care for them. -Don’t underestimate the power of empathy. -Sympathy feels bad for someone, empathy feels bad with someone. -When someone is hurting and you don’t know what to do, just do something. Send a text, make a call, bring a meal…just do something. -Does your group need to do a better job of challenging each other or caring for each other? -Biblical community is selfless. -When you are on mission together, your needs and desires are the last thing on your mind. -There is a huge difference between a vacation mindset and a mission mindset. Church…we are on mission! There is an enemy who hates us and we are at war against him. -Are you seeking the good of those around you or the good of yourself? -Biblical community rejoices. -No other religion or ideology can claim continual joy, prayer, and gratitude. -Christian community doesn’t make sense without Christ and the reality that this world is not our home. -Do you spend more time in community talking about the things and problems of this world or about Jesus and being on mission for Him? -When you gather together, remind yourselves of the gospel. Every single time! MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES -Suggested Scripture Study: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 -Sermon: Love