While the message of salvation through Jesus remains unchanged, the Church should creatively adapt how it reaches people. The heart of innovation in ministry is service, and its purpose is to bring people closer to Jesus. Ultimately, the joy of innovation is sharing in the blessings of transformed lives and faith.

The Posture of Innovation is Service

The Purpose of Innovation is Salvation

The Prize of Innovation is sharing in the blessings of the gospel 

Life Group Discussion:

How does the story of the Thai soccer team rescue illustrate the urgency of innovation in ministry, and how does that relate to the Church's mission to reach the lost?

Think about a time when you focused on your own preferences in church (worship style, message, etc.). How could you reframe your perspective to prioritize how the church can serve and reach others, rather than meeting your own expectations?

When you think about the people in your life who don’t know Jesus, how can you innovate the way you interact with them to help bring them closer to salvation?

We are saved by God's grace, not by our own works, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-10. Grace is a free gift, and while our works do not earn salvation, we are saved for good works that reflect our faith. The message challenges believers to both embrace God's grace and extend it to others, living as a grace-filled church.

Grace Saves

Works Don’t 

The Saved Work

Life Group Discussion:

In what ways do we, as Christians, struggle to extend grace to others, even though we have received it freely? What challenges do you face in being grace-filled?

Cooper shared the powerful story of Ike Brown Sr. forgiving and adopting his son's killer. How does this story of forgiveness challenge your perspective on grace and forgiveness in your own life?

In what areas of your life do you feel "bumped" or tested by others? How can you be more intentional about responding with grace when you are bumped?

Today’s message emphasizes the call for Christians to live in response to God's mercy. Believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices, dedicating every part of their lives to God's service. We are to live our lives not conforming to the world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind. This transformation helps believers discern and follow God's perfect will. 

You have been saved

You are a living sacrifice

You must be shaped 

Life Group Discussion:

What does it mean to you personally to be a "living sacrifice" in today’s world, and how can this shape your daily actions?

In what areas of your life do you feel the strongest pressure to conform to the world, and how can you counteract this by renewing your mind?

How can we better discern God's will in our lives, and what practical steps can we take to align ourselves with His good, pleasing, and perfect plan?

Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, reminding them of God's faithfulness. It calls for believers to support one another by gathering together, stirring each other towards love and good works, and offering encouragement. This passage highlights the importance of community, accountability, and mutual care as we grow in faith.

Shepherding

Encouragement

Accountability

Love

Life Group Discussion:

How can we "hold fast" to our hope in times of uncertainty, and what role does community play in helping us stay strong in our faith?

In what practical ways can we encourage each other to pursue love and good works, both within the church and in our daily lives?

What are some barriers that prevent us from regularly gathering with fellow believers, and how can we overcome these challenges to foster deeper accountability and encouragement?

The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but is breathed out by God, making it a vital tool for His people. Through Scripture, God speaks to His people, revealing His truth and guiding their lives. The Bible also shapes His people by teaching, correcting, and training them in righteousness, molding them to reflect His character. Finally, God uses the Bible to send His people, equipping them thoroughly for every good work He has called them to do. As we engage with Scripture, we are not only informed but transformed and empowered to live out our faith in the world.

God uses The Bible to SPEAK to His people

God uses The Bible to SHAPE His people

God uses The Bible to SEND His people 

Life Group Discussion:

How has God spoken to you personally through Scripture? Reflect on a time when a particular passage or verse provided guidance, comfort, or conviction in your life. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's voice?

In what ways has the Bible shaped your character or actions? Consider how the teachings, corrections, and training found in Scripture have influenced your growth in faith. What specific changes have you noticed in yourself because of studying the Bible?

How do you feel God is sending you to serve others based on what you’ve learned from the Bible? Discuss how the equipping nature of Scripture has prepared you for good works. What opportunities do you see in your life where you can live out the teachings of the Bible to make a positive impact?

Walking in the light of Christ brings joy, authenticity, and true fellowship with others. In this light, we are honest with God and each other, and we find deep connections. It's also where we receive forgiveness, as Jesus' sacrifice cleanses us from sin. Living in the light fills our lives with joy, community, and grace.

Find authenticity in the light

Find fellowship in the light

Find forgiveness in the light

Life Group Discussion:

How can you bring more authenticity into your relationship with God and others? What are specific areas in your life where you might struggle with being transparent or honest.

What steps can you take to deepen your fellowship with other believers in your community? Think about ways to build stronger connections with those around you through shared faith and experiences.

How does understanding Christ’s forgiveness influence the way you deal with guilt and sin in your daily life? Reflect on how embracing His grace can change your mindset and actions.

The strength of our foundation is shaped by how we live out our beliefs. Challenges reveal whether our foundation is strong or weak. Regular reflection is key to keeping it solid.

Application determines the foundation

Storms reveal the foundation

We must inspect our foundation

Life Group Discussion:

How do your daily actions and decisions reflect the foundation of your beliefs or values?

Can you recall a challenging situation (“storm”) that revealed the strength or weakness of your foundation? What did you learn from that experience?

In what ways do you regularly inspect or evaluate your foundation to ensure it remains strong and unshakable?

Jesus tells us at the end of the sermon on the mount that not everyone will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The good news is, He tells us how we can know that we have a ticket in.

Examine your path carefully

Examine your teachers carefully

Examine your relationship carefully

Life Group Discussion:

Are the choices you make leading you towards a life that aligns with Jesus' teachings?

How can you recognize when a teacher might be leading you astray? What characteristics should you watch out for?

How do the warnings in Matthew 7:13-23 challenge you to examine your own faith and actions?

We can be challenged to grow in our affections for God and for others when it’s difficult.

We’re a bad judge of others

We’re a bad judge of self

We misjudge the Father

Life Group Discussion:

How can you practice humility by focusing on improving yourself instead of judging others?

In what areas do you need to ask God for help more often? How can you persistently seek His guidance every day?

How can you show compassion and treat others the way you want to be treated, even when it's difficult?

In this week's sermon, John Elmore taught us about the Christian's security in Christ, the lack of need for worry, and our choice of paths in life: climbing the ladder of the world or the ladder of God's Kingdom.

Our choices in life are:

1. Trash or Treasure 

2. God or Greed

3. Worry or Worship

Life Group Discussion:

What treasure do you need to give God all the glory?

How can you shift your focus from accumulating material wealth to building spiritual wealth in your daily life?

What areas of your life do you tend to worry, and you can’t sleep at night?