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Strong Women Strong World
Huldah | Part 9 
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
September 7, 2025


Over the many years I have been a pastor, I’ve often heard people say, “God only raised up women as leaders when there was no man to lead.” It’s such an ignorant statement and this Sunday’s message is proof of that. Huldah was a prophet in the Old Testament. She lived at the same time as two other well-known prophets - Jeremiah and Zephaniah. Yet God used her mightily to turn the nation back to Himself and not because there were no men speaking up for God. God used Huldah because she had the message the king and the people needed to hear. If you don’t know her incredible story, don’t miss this message.

Discussion Questions 

1. Take some time to consider some of the parallels between the movie Hidden Figures and the women whose stories we’ve been learning about in this series. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? Can you think of other historical examples where the achievements of women have been largely unacknowledged? 
Why do you think this has been true in history? Why do you think the stories of women in the Bible are often not told well or with the same level of detail that Scripture records them?
 
2. When you think about the span of time that passed between Solomon’s generation and that of Josiah, 300 years seems like a long time but at the same time, it doesn’t seem that long to actually forget God’s Word, to abandon the Temple and stop celebrating the very feast that reminds you of why you are a people (Passover). What should we be learning from their failures? How might churches face the same threats externally and internally? Was anything in this account of how far God’s people had strayed shocking or surprising to you and why?
 
3. Huldah is a prophetess whose authority and trusted position is beyond dispute. She is the first one sought out for an answer from God. Everything she said is received without debate or pushback. She validates the book they found as the Word of God and then interprets the book for their present situation. What stood out to you most in the telling of Huldah’s story? Why do you think Huldah was unaffected and uncompromised by the corruption of Jewish society all around her? What can you learn from her example about being a thermostat instead of a thermometer? What spiritual disciplines do you engage in regularly to help protect you from corruption from within or without?
 
4. Take some time to look over the chiastic structure of the telling of Huldah’s story. Why do you think the writer of Chronicles chose to emphasize Huldah over Josiah? Why does her prophecy occupy center stage in this narrative?
 
5. Huldah left an unmistakable mark on history, Jewish history, Christian history and even American history. What are some of the things that stood out to you about Huldah’s legacy? Why do you suppose this woman, who inspired so many in history, and is the only woman to have gates in Jerusalem named after her, why is her story so relatively unknown today? What can you do to make sure others know about Huldah’s inspirational story?

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Strong Women Strong World
Lydia | Part 8 
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
August 31, 2025


Lydia stands out in Scripture as both the first recorded European convert to Christianity and a model of faithful leadership. She turned her home into the earliest meeting place for the Philippian church. She also invested her resources and reputation in the spread of Christianity. As a businesswoman, she embodies the integration of faith, enterprise, and generosity, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer for women of influence in the story of the church.

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Discussion Questions

1. In Pastor Keith’s introduction to today’s message, he mentioned how not only in Scripture are more women than men recognized for their financial support of Jesus and Paul but in practical terms, that still is the case when it comes to giving among Christ followers today. Why do you suppose this is? Has this been a factor in your present or past relationships? 
 
2. There are those in the church who object to women in leadership inside and outside of the church. How would I answer those objections today? What did you find most compelling in the Biblical argument that Pastor Keith presented today? Who are some of the women today that you admire as strong leaders, especially in regard to their Christian witness?
 
3. Lydia represents a convert who had some level of knowledge of the Hebrew God, His laws, His promises, and His people. Besides Jewish people, the God fears were a group specifically targeted by the Apostle Paul and his entourage because of that baseline understanding. In light of that, who are the people who are easiest to reach today and what groups represent a greater challenge? Why do you feel that way?
 
4. The two best evidences of the genuineness of Lydia’s conversion were her immediate willingness to publicly identify with Christ in baptism AND to welcome these strangers into her home (hospitality – love of the stranger). How well does the American church show these two pieces of evidence today? If you feel like the church is lacking in one of these areas, what do you think needs to be done to change that?
 
5. There are two themes running through the book of Acts. One is the transition from being an exclusively Jewish faith to becoming a more inclusive Christian faith. What are some of the challenges the church faced? How did they overcome the challenges? The other transition was from a centralized faith around the institution of the Temple to a decentralized faith built around the household (oikos). What are the challenges the church faced with this transition?
 
6. As we rapidly approach the conclusion of this series, where have you been challenged most? What have you learned that you didn’t know prior to this series? What new appreciation do you have for the female leaders of Scripture? How does any of this affect your daily walk with God?

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Why Church?
All In | Part 2
Dr. Jessica Fernandez 
August 24, 2025

The Church thrives when ordinary people say yes to an extraordinary mission. This message is a call to move beyond passive attendance and step fully into God’s purpose—offering our time, talents, and resources to something far greater than ourselves. Jesus invites us into a radically generous, mission-driven community where sacrifice becomes joy and service becomes worship. We’re not just filling roles—we’re building the Kingdom. When we give our lives to the Church, we’re investing in what Jesus gave His life for. Your presence matters. Your gifts matter. Because the Church isn’t just worth your time—it’s worthy of your life.

Connect. Serve. Grow. Give.

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Discussion Questions 

1. What area of your life has been the hardest to surrender to Jesus—and why do you think that is? Reflect on your personal "life balls" (e.g., time,relationships, career, past, control). What are you still trying to carry?

2. What does being “All In” for Jesus look like in your current season of life? In what ways are you following Him with full devotion, and where might you be holding back?

3. How has surrendering to Jesus in the past brought freedom, healing, or direction in your life? Share a testimony of a time you let go of something and saw God show up in a powerful way.

4. Which area—Connect, Serve, Grow, or Give—do you feel God is inviting you to step into more fully right now? What’s one action you can take this week to lean into that area?

5. Why is it important to surrender in community instead of trying to do it alone? How can your group support each other in taking the next steps of obedience and trust?

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Why Church?
Plan A | Part 1
Dr. Jessica Fernandez 
August 17, 2025

What if the Church wasn’t just a good idea—but God’s idea? From Genesis to Revelation, God has been forming a people to carry His love, truth, and hope into the world. The Church—imperfect as she is—isn’t a side project or a backup plan. She’s Plan A. In this message, we’ll rediscover the Church’s true identity: a spiritual family, a beacon of truth, a place of healing, and a launchpad for mission. The Church may be flawed, but she is chosen—called to bring light to the darkness and hope to the hopeless. This message invites you to see the Church not as something you attend, but as something you’re invited to become—a vital part of God’s redemptive mission in the world. 

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1. How do your personal wounds or disappointments with the Church reflect a deeper theology of grace, brokenness, and sanctification?
In what ways has the Church’s imperfection challenged your view of God's redemptive plan through flawed people? (Read Ephesians 5:25–27. How does Christ’s love for an imperfect Bride reframe your expectations of the Church?)

2. Ephesians 3:10 says that through the Church, God's "manifold wisdom" is made known even to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” What does this verse suggest about the heavenly significance of the Church?
How might underestimating the Church reveal a limited view of God's eternal purposes?

3.In what ways do you wrestle with consumerism or individualism when it comes to the Church?
Reflect on your current engagement—are you primarily receiving or contributing? How does 1 Peter 4:10 challenge your understanding of your role within the Body?

4. Paul describes the Church as both a spiritual family and a functioning body (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
Where do you see yourself in this metaphor? Are you fulfilling your spiritual function or remaining disconnected? What obstacles—emotional, theological, or practical—are preventing full participation?

5. What legacy are you building through your investment in the Church? In light of Matthew 6:20 and Ephesians 3:21, how does your current life rhythm reflect an eternal mindset? How would your calendar, budget, and priorities change if you believed that every act of faithfulness in the Church echoed into eternity?

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Strong Women Strong World
Priscilla Part 7
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
August 10, 2025

She’s a teacher, leader and a valued coworker of the Apostle Paul. She is also the second most mentioned person in the writings of Paul (only Timothy has more mentions). Yet very few Christians know her story or why she matters. This Sunday, our series on strong women brings us to Priscilla.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Priscilla and Aquila were a couple who served God together and worked alongside each other in the tentmaking business. If you’re married, how well would that arrangement work out between you and your spouse? Are there ways you presently serve God together? What is that like?

2. Working regular jobs as tentmakers did not interfere with the calling of God on the Apostle Paul’s life or that of Priscilla and Aquila. Yet so many today often view their work as unspiritual and an impediment to doing the work of God. How do we change the way we see our jobs and do our jobs so that it fits better with the plan of God for our life? How do I turn even the most mundane tasks into something meaningful for God?

3. It’s obvious, based on how Luke inverts the names of this couple whenever they’re mentioned in a ministry context, that Priscilla is the one who leads the way and is operating in her primary gifting. How do you respond when your spouse’s gifting outshines your own? What qualities would you expect to see in Aquila that allowed him to support his wife in her spiritual gifting? 

4. Priscilla’s example of teaching the gifted Apollos is one of the best repudiations of the idea that what Paul was saying in 1 Corinthians 14.34-35 and 1 Timothy 2.12 was an attempt to silence women and forbid them a role in teaching men (If you haven’t listened to the first message in this series, it’s imperative that you do so). Furthermore, that the churches in Corinth and Ephesus (where the Timothy passage is addressed) both started in Priscilla and Aquila’s home, is another major hurdle in making these verses say women can’t teach. Why is the example of Priscilla ignored? Glossed over? Or distorted? What did you learn today about Priscilla that stood out to you most? How does her example encourage you?

5. There is no question that Priscilla and Aquila were foundational in the establishment of the church especially among the Gentiles. Paul said so himself. They were a key presence in three of the churches that were most instrumental in spreading the gospel message. We’d love to know more than what we do about their lives and influence. But most of the work this couple did was out of the limelight and without extensive records. How content are you to serve in relative anonymity as Priscilla and Aquila did? What are you doing with your life right now that will outlast this life?

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Strong Women Strong World
Mary | Part 6
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
August 3, 2025

Mary is the fourth-most mentioned New Testament character after Jesus, Peter, and Paul. Yet in the average Protestant church, she is typically ignored. Rarely will you hear a message devoted just to telling Mary’s story. Or if you do, it sounds more like a sappy Hallmark commercial than the portrait we actually see of her in Scripture. It’s time we get to know this prophetic, powerful woman who consistently points us to Jesus.

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Discussion Questions 

1. What perceptions did you have of Mary before hearing today’s message? If you have a church background, what sort of teaching did you have from pastors or other leaders in your church? If you have no church background, what was your understanding of Mary?
 
2. The level of poverty in first century Palestine was severe – affecting the vast majority of those who lived there. It’s something that the holy family (Mary, Joseph and Jesus) experienced daily both personally and socially. People were hungry for hope in the midst of economic despair. Mary’s song prophesies a new reality. In what ways has the church throughout the ages addressed the problems of poverty? If you don’t know the answer to this question, use it as your homework assignment.
 
3. In this message, Pastor Keith addressed Mary’s calling, her prophecy, how she prophecies, her Scriptural knowledge, and the things she predicted about her Son. Have you ever thought of Mary as a prophet? What stood out to you most about this? Why do you think so many churches downplay Mary’s role as a prophet? 
 
4. When it comes to the telling of the Christmas story, Pastor Keith laid the blame at the feet of the Church that has often watered down the radical and revolutionary message of Mary. Why is the church often the ones most guilty of telling a truncated, sanitized, overly simplified Christmas story? Luke’s gospel is the most common Scripture read as it relates to Christmas, but the part about the Magnificat is almost always left out. Why is that?
 
5. There are definite and intentional parallels between the story of Eden and the story of Golgotha. Take some time to review this part of the message. List the parallels you remember. Why does this matter? How does it reflect the amazing unity of Scripture?

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Strong Women Strong World
Elizabeth | Part 5
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 27, 2025

Though only a minor character in the Christmas story, Elizabeth plays a major role among the leading women of the New Testament. Besides Elizabeth’s influence on the young, pregnant Mary, there are many “firsts” associated with Elizabeth that the average Christian doesn’t even know. Largely because there’s been a tendency in church history to diminish Elizabeth and treat her time with Mary as little more than a protracted baby shower. It’s past time we restore her rightful place among Bible leaders. 

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What surprised you in this message today?

2. Why do you think Mary wanted to see her relative 
Elizabeth? What do you think Mary hoped to get out of the visit? 

3. How does Elizabeth respond to Mary and why? How else could she have responded?
 
4. Have you ever had someone like Elizabeth in your life? Studies have found that adolescents thrive when they have at least one strong, sustained relationship with a significant adult, this can be a coach, a teacher, an extended family member, youth pastor, small group leader, etc.. Who besides your parents have made significant contributions to your life especially in an area where you were struggling, growing, or learning? How did they help you? How are you different today as a result of their influence? Have you ever been that kind of person for someone else? Why or why not?
 
5. We often have the opposite view of blessing from Scripture. Too often, we equate blessings with money, health, and happiness. In the Bible, to be blessed was to be used by God for His kingdom purposes. How have you been Biblically blessed? Why are people so hungry to be blessed today?
 
6. Take a few minutes and bless one another. Remind one another of their belovedness just for being who they are. Think beyond what people do or even what they do for you and think about what it is about them that makes them the kind of person they are. Praise and bless that quality.
 
7. Mary is emboldened by her time with Elizabeth to see things as she never has before – especially as it relates to her purpose. Luke’s telling of the Christmas story is revolutionary and so unlike the way we typically tell it today. Why do we do this to the Christmas story? Together read the Magnificat (Mary’s song and next week’s message) in Luke 1.46-55.

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Strong Women Strong World
Esther | Part 4
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 20, 2025

The book of Esther is one of the most creatively written books in the entire Bible. In fact, you’ll be amazed by it. The lead character is female and she’s a true hero. Not only does she help to avert a planned holocaust for the Jewish people, this story becomes the basis of the annual Feast of Purim which celebrates God’s protection of His people. You’ll also see amazing parallels between Esther’s story and Jesus’ story. Don't miss this next installment in our series, Strong Women, Strong World!

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Discussion Questions 

1. Though Esther lived in a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were far greater than those of women), she was able to rise to a position of influence and use that influence to save the nation. What was true about Esther’s day was also the prevailing culture throughout most of the history during which the Bible was written. What other stories of women in Scripture are you aware of who rose to prominence and leadership in spite of the culture of the day? Discuss the ways in which they were used by God. How do their stories inspire you? How are you or the women you know impacted by stories like these?

2. Take some time in your group to discuss the following quote, “In the moral conflict now raging around us, whoever is on God’s side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win” (A.W. Tozer).
 
3. God gave Esther a mentor in her uncle Mordecai. How important have mentors been in your own life and development? Have you ever had one? If so, in what arena of life? What was their impact on you? How has that person helped to shape the person you have become?
 
4. The Bible makes a distinction between time (chronos – which is clocks, days and calendars) and time (kairos – a pregnant moment in time, a pivotal moment in history). Esther’s story is a reminder that we are where we are and who we are for a reason. And sometimes, everything seems to align to create an opportunity to exercise our gifting, utilize our influence and invest our talent – a Kairos moment. In reflecting on Esther’s Kairos moment, are you aware of other Kairos moments in Scripture, in world history or US history, or in your own personal life? If so, describe what happened and why you think it was a Kairos moment.
 
5. The book of Esther is written in a very creative style. Pastor Keith talked about this very Jewish way of writing which is most commonly known as chiastic writing. As a group or individual, download both the simplified and detailed chiastic structure of Esther from the online message notes. Notice how each and every negative and dark outcome in the first half of the book is then corrected by a positive and hopeful outcome in the latter portion of the book? What did you learn about this style of writing? Why did Jewish writers use it? How does it help to clarify and amplify the message of Esther?
 
6. As Pastor Keith wrapped up the message, he focused on some of the parallels between Esther’s story and Jesus’s story. Can you name the parallels he mentioned and why? Are you aware of any other ways that Esther’s story is similar to Jesus’ story? If so, what are they?
 

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Strong Women Strong World
Ruth | Part 3
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 13, 2025

She’s an immigrant, a part of a hated and maligned group of people, a widow woman with virtually no rights yet she changed the course of human history. She became a model of God’s love and through her lineage, Christ was born. Her name is Ruth. Don’t miss her inspiring story this Sunday.

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Discussion Questions 

1. In the first part of the message, Pastor Keith described the revolution of rising expectations that basically says we can endure all sorts of problems and adversity, but the injection of hope followed by another setback becomes practically unbearable. We see this played out in the story of Naomi and the journey to Moab to end their constant struggle for food. But once they arrived, the bad news began to pile up. Have you or someone you know ever gone through the revolution of rising expectations? What effect did it have on you or those you know? What was the eventual outcome of the situation? How well did you deal with it?
 
2. The story of Ruth is one where the main characters don’t see the hand of God in their circumstances like we do as readers. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? In retrospect, can you see where and how God was at work even when you didn’t sense it? Without being trite, how might you encourage someone going through difficulty who is struggling with finding God in their circumstances?
 
3. This story contains the stories of three widows who all make different choices.
•  Orpah - returns to the FAMILIAR  
•  Naomi - gets STUCK in her sorrow
•  Ruth - determined to go on with LIFE
Have you ever made any of those choices? And if so, why, where and when was that? Where did that choice lead you? 
 
4. Hesed love is grace in action. It’s the way God loves us. And it’s the way Ruth loved her mother-in-law Naomi. Hesed goes beyond feelings or sentiments. We recognize it in how it behaves. Why was what Ruth chose to do an act of Hesed love? Has God ever put you in a situation where you choose Hesed over self-preservation or self-priority? What motivated you to make that choice? What difference, if any, did it make?
 
5. How is Ruth’s character a type of Christ? What does it say that God would choose to include this story about an ordinary family choosing to do the right thing during a time when self-interest reigned supreme? During the time of the judges, there are two women who rise unrivaled to the top – Deborah and Ruth. What message does it send that God would make these two women the supreme highlight during a time of incredible darkness and infidelity to God’s covenant?

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Strong Women Strong World
Deborah | Part 2
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 06, 2025

In spite of the fact that the Bible was written during a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were foremost and the rights of women practically non-existent) we still find many examples of strong women. Women who are not passive, demure and timid but active, bold and assertive. Deborah's story stands in bold opposition to those who say women can’t lead. Because not only does Deborah lead in the civic and spiritual realm, her leadership is unrivaled by any of the other male leaders of her day. 

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Discussion Questions 

1. Pastor Keith, in his introduction, talked about the cycle of judgment in the book of Judges and how with each repetition, things got worse producing a downward spiral in the nation. He explained how sin is repetitious, monotonous and destructive. But the second defining characteristic of sin is, if left unaddressed, it will always escalate. How and where have you seen the truth of this played out? How is addiction an example of this principle? What is necessary to break free of this destructive cycle? 
 
2. Do you know someone that you consider to be a “great leader” (preferably someone you know personally)? What makes him or her excellent? 
 
3. What things can we learn about leadership and the way God operates based on his choosing of Deborah and her unique gifts and roles in the life of Israel? Why do you think Scripture intentionally parallels the song of Moses alongside the song of Deborah? Do you think the high role of Deborah in Judges should play a part in determining what roles women can and should play in the Church today? Why or why not?
 
4. Just like in this story, sometimes it seems that the deck is stacked against us and the enemy has all the advantages. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But God has a plan. The question is, are we willing to do it His way? Or are we too busy making caveats, exceptions and putting conditions on our obedience? Have you ever been asked by God to do something, that at the time, didn’t make sense but in the end, it was the best choice? If you’re up against something particularly challenging right now, what in this story speaks to you about what you could or should be doing right now?
 
5. As Virginia Ely said your life represents a fresh thought of God and He has put you where you are to make a difference. What dream has He placed in your heart? What longings have you had that never seem to go away? You do realize, don’t you, that if God wills something to happen, it will happen. You will never ultimately fail in following God.