Sylvan Way Church

Description: What happens when we try to reshape God into someone who fits our expectations?

In this message from our 10 Commandments series, we look at the warning behind the commandment not to make idols—and discover that idolatry isn’t just about statues. It can also mean creating a version of God that is more comfortable, convenient, or acceptable to us.

Big Idea: Either God shapes your life, or you’ll spend your life trying to reshape God.

In this message, we’ll consider:

Takeaway: Am I letting God shape me, or am I trying to shape God?

Next Step: Replace one lie about God with a Scriptural truth.

Maybe today you need to remember:

Description: We all worship something.

The question is: What has your heart?

The First Commandment says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” But what does that really mean for us today? What competes with God for our attention, our affection, and our devotion?

In this message, we discover why God deserves our exclusive worship and how remembering who He is and what He has done changes the way we live.

Because the question isn't whether you worship. It's what you worship.

Join us as we look at the First Commandment and ask two important questions:

Who is God to you?

Your answers may reveal what truly has first place in your life.

Description:

Title: Give to God First

Big Idea: Give God your first, not your leftovers.

Takeaway: God Gave First, So We Give First 

Next Steps: Invest in What God Is Doing

Live on what you have. Save for the future. Trust God with tomorrow.

Title: Save For The Future: Biblical Finances

Description: What does the Bible actually say about saving money?

In Week 2 of Biblical Finances, we look at how wise stewardship prepares for tomorrow without putting our trust in money. From Proverbs to Joseph’s example in Genesis, Scripture shows us that saving isn’t fear, it’s wisdom.

Live on what you have. Save for the future. Trust God with tomorrow.

Biblical Finances

Description:  How do we stand firm when life feels like a spiritual battle? Not by relying on our own strength, but by standing in the strength of the Lord. 

In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul reminds us to:

The Christian life requires more than determination—it requires dependence on God. We are called to stand firm in His strength, put on His armor, and pray boldly so the gospel can move forward. 

Takeaway: Stand firm in God’s strength, put on God’s armor, and pray boldly so the gospel moves forward. 

Ask yourself: 

• Where am I trying to stand in my own strength instead of the Lord’s strength?

• Who can I pray for and speak the gospel to with boldness? . 

Title: The Gospel Goes to Work - Ephesians 6:5-9

Description: What does the gospel have to do with your workplace? Everything.

In Ephesians 6:5–9, Paul brings the lordship of Jesus into the everyday reality of work, authority, leadership, and relationships. The gospel doesn’t stay at church on Sunday—it goes to work with you on Monday.

In this message, we’ll see how to:

The Bible is not endorsing slavery. Instead, it brings the lordship of Jesus into a broken world, showing that the gospel changes both the person under authority and the person with authority.

The takeaway: Jesus is Lord on Sunday, and Jesus is Lord on Monday.

Ask yourself:

Your workplace is more than a place to earn a paycheck. It is a place where your faith can be seen. The gospel goes to work with you.

Description: God’s Design for Parents and Children - Ephesians 6:1-4

What does God’s design for a healthy family look like? In Ephesians 6:1-4, Paul shows us that wise living starts in the home. Children are called to honor and obey their parents, while parents are called to lead, disciple, and point their children toward the Lord.

In this message, we’ll look at three important truths:

Children Obey God by Obeying Their Parents

Honor Authority Because Wise Living Leads to Life

Parents Lead Children Toward the Lord

Parenting isn’t about creating a perfect home—it’s about pursuing a God-centered mission in the middle of the mess. Parents are called to balance accountability with autonomy, while modeling the wise life they want their children to live.

That means learning to love by laying ourselves aside for others, listen rather than simply command, and learn by allowing godly people to speak into our lives.

Takeaway: Children honor. Parents disciple. Families walk worthy.

This week, consider these questions:

For children: Where do I need to obey and honor my parents, even when I disagree?

Join us as we discover how God’s design for parents and children points our families toward Christ.

Title: Marriage That Displays Christ - Ephesians 5:21–33 

What does a Christ-centered marriage really look like? In a culture filled with conflicting ideas about marriage, Ephesians 5 points us back to God's beautiful design. In this message, we'll explore how biblical marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and His church. Wives are called to respect and support Christlike leadership, while husbands are called to love with the same selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. Together, marriage becomes a living picture of the gospel.

In this message: 

• Wives Submit as to the Lord 

• Husbands Love Like Christ

• Marriage Points to Jesus 

Big Idea: Biblical marriage displays Jesus when wives respect Christlike leadership, and husbands love with Christlike sacrifice. 

Takeaway: Marriage flourishes when wives respect, husbands sacrifice, and both live under the authority of Christ. 

This week's challenge: 

• Wives: Where do I need to respect and support godly leadership? 

• Husbands: Where do I need to lay myself down to build my wife up? 

• Everyone: Am I living under the authority of Christ in my closest relationships? 

Join us each week as we study God's Word together at Sylvan Way.