The Persecuted

Springs of Life Church

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The Persecuted

August 25, 2024 • Pastor Chad Garrison • Matthew 5:10–12

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Blessed are those who endure persecution for the sake of the Gospel, their body may be hurt, but their soul will be untouched.

Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.

QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD

1. Think of your current struggles—are they a result of persecution because of righteousness, or your own self-righteousness? How are you able to determine the difference between the two?

2. What does it look like for you to deny yourself, and “Lose Well” in the midst of persecution for Christ?

3. How have you experienced blessing within persecution, and possibly overlooked it? Take time to reflect on the ways you are blessed in the midst of struggles, and respond in gratitude to your Savior.

The Peacemakers

August 11, 2024 • Sarah Furrow • Matthew 5:9

Blessed are those who are reconciled to God and bring that peace and hope to others, for they are His children. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. What does the word conflict bring up in you? 2. Do an audit on yourself: are you a peacekeeper or a peacemaker? 3. Are you willing to be an ambassador of peace or will you allow yourself and other people to skip out on the benefit of edification?

The Pure in Heart

August 11, 2024 • Pastor AJ Williams • Matthew 5:8

Blessed are those who’ve been forgiven by the grace of Jesus Christ, for they will see God. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. What challenges do you see in your life that might affect your relationship with God? Are there specific areas where you feel a sense of dissatisfaction or imbalance? 2. James 4:7-10 outlines several steps for drawing closer to God and shifting focus away from worldly distractions. Which of these steps—submitting to God, resisting the devil, cleansing your heart, lamenting, mourning, weeping, or humbling yourself—do you feel you need to concentrate on to strengthen your relationship with God?

The Merciful

August 4, 2024 • Pastor Starla Smith • Matthew 5:7

Blessed are those who’ve allowed God’s grace to so envelope their lives that they show it to others, for they will experience the true joys of forgiveness. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. What do you lean toward first - mercy or justice? How does the understanding that God is first merciful before He is Just, change how you will yield to the Holy Spirit? 2. What kinds of thoughts do you have when asked to stop, stoop, share, and supply for those in need? 3. How do you handle needing mercy in your hard situations? Do you share what you need? or do you just keep on keeping on?