These resources will be added each Sunday morning as the Sunday morning message is presented.

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Week beginning Sunday, August 25

“This Beautiful Mess "

The Tabernacle of God—a beautiful work of costly craftsmanship—but soon to be covered in the messy blood and smoke of sacrifices and burnt offerings. Such is the collision of our Holy God with sinful humanity. It’s the beautiful mess of God’s love for His people.

Today’s Scripture: Exodus 39:32-43

SUNDAY.

Exodus 25:8–9 “God said, ‘Make a Tabernacle for Me, and I will dwell among My people. Make it exactly like the pattern I will show you.’”

Why did God give plans for the Tabernacle along with the Ten Commandments? How do the two go together? How does this apply our walk with Jesus today?

MONDAY.

Exodus 31:1–5 “God said, ‘I have chosen Bezalel. I have given him skill and craftmanship to work with gold, silver, bronze, stones and wood.’”

What does this suggest about the appearance of the Tabernacle? How did the Tabernacle reflect God’s nature? How does God exhibit His nature today?

TUESDAY.

Exodus 25:10-22 “God said to Moses, ‘Construct an ark and place in it the tablets I have given you. Make a covering for the ark fashioned with two cherubs with outstretched wings. There I will meet with you.’”

What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant? What was its purpose? How does the Ark help us understand our experience of God as we walk with Jesus?

WEDNESDAY.

Exodus 31:6–11 “God said, ‘I have appointed craftsmen to construct the Tabernacle, it’s furnishings, alters, utensils and garments.’”

In what ways does the Tabernacle’s design and function help us understand approaching God? How does this speak to our relationship with God in Jesus?

THURSDAY.

Hebrews 9:22 “The Law of God requires cleansing with blood, because without shedding blood there is no forgiveness of sin.”

What was the purpose of animal sacrifices in the Tabernacle? How does this help us understand sin & forgiveness? How does this help us understand Christ’s cross?

FRIDAY.

Ezekiel 37:26–28 “God said, ‘I will make an everlasting covenant of peace with My people. I will put My Tabernacle among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people.’”

What is God’s promise, hope and goal for humanity? How does God intend to bring this about? What does this mean for our lives today?

SATURDAY.

John 1:14 “The Word of God became Flesh and pitched His Tabernacle among us.”

How does this passage help us understand what God has done in sending Jesus? How does the Tabernacle help us understand what Jesus has accomplished?

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Week beginning Sunday, August 18

“Serious Business"

Sin & forgiveness aren’t child's play. Breaking God's commands puts us at great odds with our Creator, requiring a very particular, involved and costly means for making things right. Let’s never take it for granted.

Message Scripture:  Exodus 24:12–18 “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to Me on the mountain, and I will give you tablets of stone with the law and commands I have written.’ Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and went up on the mountain of God. When Moses arrived the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites below the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. Then Moses entered the cloud and stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”

SUNDAY.

Exodus 20:1-17 (The Ten Commandments)  

Read through the Ten Commandments in your Bible and discuss each. What do they teach us about God? About ourselves?

MONDAY.

Exodus 25:9 “God said, ‘Make the Tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.’”

What was the purpose of the Tabernacle? Why did it need to be constructed so precisely? How does the Tabernacle help us understand our sin and God's grace?

TUESDAY.

Daniel 9:99 “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.”

What does it mean to rebel against God? How have we done so? What is God's response to our rebellion?

WEDNESDAY.

Galatians 3:24 “The purpose of the law is to lead us to Christ so we can be justified by faith.”

How do God's commandments help us understand our need for Jesus? What does Jesus do for me that God's commandments cannot?

THURSDAY.

Exodus 40:34 “Then the cloud of God’s presence covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of God filled the tent.”

What was happening when the cloud of God's presence covered the Tabernacle? What does this indicate? How does this help us see what God has done for us?

FRIDAY.

Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far God has removed our transgressions from us.”

The Bible teaches us God promises to remove our sin through faith in Jesus. What's the difference between forgiving our sin and removing our sin? Do you believe Jesus has removed your sin? Why or why not?

SATURDAY.

Amos 5:24 “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

How might we describe righteousness and justice? How do we feel when we see sin and injustice in our world? What's God's response? What's ours?

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Week beginning Sunday, August 11

“I Will Be Your God"

We hear God's heart and soul in this statement: “I will be your God.” And we hear it repeated throughout the Old Testament. God has a dream. It's why He made us in the first place.

Message Scripture: Genesis 17:7 “I will establish My everlasting covenant between Me, you and your descendants for the generations to come. I will be your God.”

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Week beginning Sunday, August 4

“The Greatest Life Skill"

Jesus was a teacher. But teaching is more than a transfer of information. It also involves demonstration. That's precisely what Jesus did when His disciples asked Him, “Lord, Teach us to pray.”

Message Scripture: Luke 11:1-4  “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ Jesus said to them, ‘When you pray, pray like this: Our Father in Heaven, Your Name is holy. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Please give us today our daily bread, and please forgive us for our sin, as we forgive those who sin against us. Please don’t lead us into temptation; instead, please deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.’”

SUNDAY.

Luke 1:1 “One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place.”

What is this Bible passage teach us about Jesus? Who does Jesus pray to? Why does Jesus pray?

MONDAY.

Luke 1:2 “Jesus disciples asked Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray!’”

Why might Jesus’ disciples ask Him this question? What about Jesus caused them to want to learn from Him?

TUESDAY.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray continually.”

How can we possibly pray continually? What is this Bible passage teaching us? How can we apply it to our lives?

WEDNESDAY.

Matthew 6:6a “Jesus said, ‘When you pray, go into your prayer closet, shut the door, and pray to your Heavenly Father.’”

What is Jesus teaching us about prayer in this passage? What can serve as our “prayer closet?” When might we spend time in our “prayer closet?”

THURSDAY.

Matthew 6:6b. “Jesus said, ‘When you pray, your Heavenly Father sees you and rewards you.’”

What does this Bible passage mean when it says God “sees us?” And what does it mean when it says, “God will reward you?”

FRDAY.

Matthew 7:7 “Jesus said, ‘When you pray, ask, seek and knock. As you do, you will receive, find and God will open the door.’”

Why does Jesus invite us to ask, seek and not? What is an example of each one of these? What's an example of how God has answered these prayers for you?

SATURDAY.

Romans 8:26 “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we don’t know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself helps us.”

How does the Holy Spirit help us pray? When you pray about someone, can you sense God guiding you how you might pray?How can you make this your practice?

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Week beginning Sunday, July 28

“Here & Now"

Jesus’ core message was, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” These were the first words out of Jesus’ mouth and the subject of all His preaching. Let’s talk about it.

Message Scripture: Mark 1:15 “Jesus said, ‘The time has come. The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the Good News!’’

SUNDAY.

Luke 1:1 “One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place.”

What is this Bible passage teach us about Jesus? Who does Jesus pray to? Why does Jesus pray?

MONDAY.

Luke 1:2 “Jesus disciples asked Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray!’”

Why might Jesus’ disciples ask Him this question? What about Jesus caused them to want to learn from Him?

TUESDAY.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray continually.”

How can we possibly pray continually? What is this Bible passage teaching us? How can we apply it to our lives?

WEDNESDAY.

Matthew 6:6a “Jesus said, ‘When you pray, go into your prayer closet, shut the door, and pray to your Heavenly Father.’”

What is Jesus teaching us about prayer in this passage? What can serve as our “prayer closet?” When might we spend time in our “prayer closet?”

THURSDAY.

Matthew 6:6b. “Jesus said, ‘When you pray, your Heavenly Father sees you and rewards you.’”

What does this Bible passage mean when it says God “sees us?” And what does it mean when it says, “God will reward you?”

FRDAY.

Matthew 7:7 “Jesus said, ‘When you pray, ask, seek and knock. As you do, you will receive, find and God will open the door.’”

Why does Jesus invite us to ask, seek and not? What is an example of each one of these? What's an example of how God has answered these prayers for you?

SATURDAY.

Romans 8:26 “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we don’t know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself helps us.”

How does the Holy Spirit help us pray? When you pray about someone, can you sense God guiding you how you might pray? How can you make this your practice?

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Week beginning Sunday, July 21

"Forever Young"  1 Timothy 4:12

Every generation believes it’s the best.  It’s why generations squabble. But, like it or not, emerging generations will shape our future. And, like it or not, emerging generations will shape Christ’s Church. It’s God’s way of keeping us forever young.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young, but set an example for the believers in speech, life, love, faith and purity.”

SUNDAY.

1 Timothy 4:12 As time goes on, some will stop believing on Jesus and begin believing lies.

What’s our source of the things we believe about Jesus? How can we learn and understand more from the Bible?

MONDAY.

1 Timothy 4:6 Live out the truths and teachings of the Bible you have learned from others.

What are examples of truths and teachings from the Bible? Who are the people who taught you from the Bible?

TUESDAY.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 Train yourself to live a godly life. God’s ways will benefit you on earth and in heaven.

What does it mean to live a godly life? What are examples of how God’s ways are best? What are some of our shortcomings?

WEDNESDAY.

1 Timothy 4:14 Don’t neglect the gifts God has given you.

What are some of the ways God has made you unique? What are ways we can use our gifts for God?

THURSDAY.

1 Timothy 4:15 Make every effort to grow spiritually so everyone can see God’s work in your life.

What are examples of growing spiritually? Who do we grow spiritually? What are ways others can see God’s work in our life?

FRiDAY.

1 Timothy 4:12a Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.

What are examples of looking down on young people? How does it feel to be judged based on your age, old or young?

SATURDAY.

1 Timothy 4:12b Set an example for others believers by the you talk and live, and with love, faith and purity.

How can we demonstrate our love for God with our words and deeds? What is “purity?” How can we demonstrate purity every day?

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Week beginning Sunday, July 14

"What's So Great About Being a Kid?"  Matthew 18:2-4

Jesus tells us we should become more like children. Since we keep getting older, how is this possible?

SUNDAY.

Matthew 18:1 Jesus’ disciples asked, “Who’s the greatest in the God’s Kingdom?”

Why did the disciples ask this question? Who do you know that needs to be first and best? When are you the person who needs to be right, get the attention, etc.?

MONDAY.

Matthew 18:2 Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them.

What did Jesus demonstrate with this child? Why did Jesus choose a child instead of an adult? If you were this child, what would you think as Jesus asked you to stand?

TUESDAY.

Matthew 18:3 Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter God’s Kingdom.”

What is Jesus teaching us with this child? How is Jesus asking us to think and act? What changes do we need to make in our lives to become more child-like?

WEDNESDAY.

Matthew 18:4 Jesus said, “Whoever humbles themselves like this child is the greatest in God’s Kingdom.”

What does “humble” mean? In what ways is a child humble? In what ways do you find it easy to be humble? When do you find it difficult to be humble?

THURSDAY.

Matthew 18:5 Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in My Name welcomes Me.”

How is Jesus welcoming to this child? What is Jesus demonstrating for us? How does Jesus feel about it when we welcome a child or a child-like person?

FRIDAY.

Matthew 18:6 Jesus said, “Don’t cause any of these children who believe in Me to stumble and stop believing.”

What does it mean to cause someone to “stumble?” What can we do to help others believe in Jesus? What do we do that discourages others from believing in Jesus?

SATURDAY.

Matthew 18:10 Jesus said, “Don’t look down on children, because God’s angels treasure them.”

How does God feel about children? How might we treat children with kindness and respect? What are examples of how children are treated poorly?

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Week beginning Sunday, July 7

"Metacognition"  2 Corinthians 10:5

Our thoughts are powerful. Our thoughts lead to our belief systems, which leads to our words and actions. Ultimately, our thoughts shape our lives. We have the power to decide what we feed our minds.

SUNDAY.

Proverbs 15:14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.

What things do you feed your mind? When do you feed your mind unhealthy things? What are ways we can we feed our mind with things that strengthen our God-walk?

MONDAY.

Psalm 122:1 I rejoice with those who said to me, “Let’s go to the house of the Lord!”

Getting the family to church can be challenging. Why is weekly church attendance important? How can we ready our hearts for church each week?

TUESDAY.

Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord.

How is the Holy Spirit part of our God-walk? How the Holy Spirit help us in our daily life? What are ways we follow the Holy Spirit as we walk with Jesus?

WEDNESDAY.

1 Corinthians 2:11 Who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit? In the same way, no one knows God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit.

What’s the only way others can know what we’re thinking? What’s the only way we know what God’s thinking? What thoughts is God sharing with us right now?

THURSDAY.

Proverbs 16:20 Those who listen to God’s instructions will prosper; those who trust God will be joyful.

What are ways we learn God’s instructions? What are some of God's instructions? What are examples of trusting God? When is it hard to trust and follow God?

FRIDAY.

2 Corinthians 2:14 God always leads us along with His people, and uses us to spread the aroma of Jesus everywhere we go.

Who are God’s people? How do we become one of God’s people? What do you think “the aroma of Jesus” means? How does God use us to spread “Christ's aroma?”

SATURDAY.

2 Corinthians 4:18 In Jesus, we learn to see things that our eyes can’t see. The things we see with our eyes are temporary, but the things of God are eternal.

What do we know about God even though we can’t see Him? What are important “temporary” things? What are important “eternal” things? Why is it important to keep our eyes on both? Why is it difficult sometimes to do so?

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Week beginning Sunday, June 30

"Worshiping in the Wilderness"  Psalm 63

Today’s guest speaker: Dr. Pearce Durst is the Administrative Dean and Associate Professor of Christianity and Culture, Urbana Theological Seminary. Dr. Durst obtained his Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from Washington State University in 2012 and has since taught courses on film, literature, rhetoric, and writing. His research and publications primarily focus on cultural texts, especially films.

SUNDAY.

Psalm 42:11 Why am I heartbroken? Why am I troubled? I will put my hope in God.

What does it mean to feel discouraged, troubled or heartbroken? What things make you feel like this? What does this Scripture teach us to do when we feel this way?

MONDAY.

Micah 7:7 I will watch for God; I will wait confidently for Him. I know God hears my prayers.

When we look around, in what ways do can see God at work? Why do you suppose we have to wait for God sometimes? Why do you believe God hears our prayers?

TUESDAY.

Psalm 62:5–6 I depend on God alone; I put my hope in Him. He alone protects and saves me.

In what ways do we depend on God? What are ways God protects us? What's something you need from God today?

WEDNESDAY.

Isaiah 40:31 Those who trust God will find new strength. They will rise with wings like eagles. They will never become weary or grow weak.

Describe what this Scripture is teaching us. When have you felt weary or weak? When have you felt God has strengthened you?

THURSDAY.

Psalm 63:1 You are my God; I seek You with all my heart.

What are we saying about God when we call Him our God? What does it mean to seek God with all of our heart? When are we most likely to look to God?

FRIDAY.

Jeremiah 29:11 God says, “I have plans for you. My plans will bless you and not harm you; I have big plans for your future.”

How does it feel knowing God has plans for our life? What does God promise for our future? Does this Scripture make you excited or uneasy about the future?

SATURDAY.

Psalm 33:18–19 God’s eyes are on those who follow Him and hope in His unfailing love. He will help us and protect us.

What does it mean when God says His eyes are on us? How would you describe unfailing love? What does God promise to those who follow Him?

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Week beginning Sunday, June 23:

”Invitation to Abundance”  John 10:1-0

Quantity vs Quality. The word “abundance” generally indicates lots and lots. But when Jesus offers us “abundance,” He’s also speaking of “quality.” And He offers lots and lots of it.

SUNDAY.

John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come so you can have abundant life.”

What does Jesus mean by “abundant life?” In what ways is your life “abundant?” In what ways do you need more “abundance?”

MONDAY.

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, because I’m with you. I will strengthen you and help you.

When are you tempted with fear? According to this passage, What can keep us from being afraid? In what ways does God strengthen and help you when you are afraid?

TUESDAY.

Isaiah 26:3 God will give you perfect peace when you trust in Him.

What does “peace” mean to you? Describe this kind of peace. According to this passage, how can we experience God's peace?

WEDNESDAY.

Deuteronomy 31:8 God will always be with you. He will never leave your or forsake you.

What is God's promise in this passage? When do you feel like God might be far away? Where is God, even when we feel He's far away?

THURSDAY.

Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come to Me when you’re tired and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When do you feel tired and burdened in your heart? What does Jesus call us to do when we feel that way? What does Jesus mean when He says He will give us “rest?”

FRIDAY.

Romans 8:28 God works all things together for our good.

When difficult things happen to us, how is this passage helpful? What is an example of when God brings about good things even when things are hard?

SATURDAY.

Philippians 4:19 God will meet all our needs out of His generosity through Jesus.

What are some of our daily needs God meets? What are some of the needs inside our heart God meets? How is Jesus a demonstration of God's generosity?

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Week beginning Father's Day Sunday, June 16:

”#DadStrong”   Ephesians 4:6

“DadStrong” doesn’t come from a gym. It comes from years of moving furniture, wrestling with children, yardwork and more. But dads also have a superpower. Let’s put it to good use, brothers.

SUNDAY.

Colossians 4:6 When you speak to people, always speak kind words. Say things that will help them.

What do others do that drive you crazy? What do you do that drives other people crazy? What things can we stop doing so we don’t drive each other crazy?

MONDAY.

Hebrews 10:25 Let’s encourage one another more and more every day.

What does it feel like to be encouraged? Who encourages you and how do they encourage you? What are ways we can encourage others?

TUESDAY.

Proverbs 11:25 Whoever blesses others will blessed.

What is a “blessing?” What are some of the blessings in our lives? What are ways we can bless other people?

WEDNESDAY.

Luke 18:20 Jesus said, “Honor your father and mother.”

God says, “Honor your mother and father?” What does it mean to honor our parents? How can children and people of all ages honor their parents?

THURSDAY.

Ephesians 4:32 Forgive one another as Jesus has forgiven you.

What’s the difference between saying, “I’m sorry,” and, “Please forgive me”? When have you forgiven someone? When has someone else forgiven you?

FRIDAY.

Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with one another.

Who do know who’s bossy? When are you bossy towards others? How can we be less bossy with one another?

SATURDAY.

Isaiah 4:10 God says, “I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My hand.”

When is it hard to follow and obey Jesus? What are ways God helps us follow Jesus? What are some things we can ask God for right now that will help us follow Jesus?

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Week beginning Sunday, June 9:

”Generation to Generation”  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

God gives us family for a reason. Families are for love, protection, provision & more. But most importantly, families are designed to help us know God. Let’s get good at it.

SUNDAY.

Philippians 4:9 Those things you learned from me, heard from me, or seen me do—put them into practice, and God’s peace will be with you.

What skills, life lessons, personality traits, etc., have your learned from other family members?  In what ways do you remind people of someone else in your family?

MONDAY.

2 Timothy 1:5 I know of your sincere faith in Jesus, which you learned from your grandmother and your mother.

Who is helping you know Jesus? What have they taught you about Jesus? How do they help you grow your faith in Jesus?

TUESDAY.

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Why is it important to love God? What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?

WEDNESDAY.

Deuteronomy 6:7 Place God’s commandments upon your hearts. Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down and get up.

What keeps us from talking about God more? What can we do to bring Jesus into the center of our lives? How can we get better at talking about Jesus?

THURSDAY.

Hebrews 10:24–25 Let’s help each other in our God-walk. Let’s meet together and encourage one another.

What are some reasons God gives us our family? Why is it important for families to have God-Time together? How can we encourage one another to follow Jesus?

FRIDAY.

Matthew 18:20 Jesus said, “When two or three gather in My Name, I’m with them.”

What happens when we have God-Time with one another? What does Jesus do when we’re with others who follow Jesus? What’s it mean for Jesus to be “with us?”

SATURDAY.

3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking with Jesus.

What things make our family happy? What’s the most important thing a family can help us learn and do? How will you help your children know about Jesus?