Watermark Fort Worth

This message explores the difference between temporary happiness and lasting joy through Luke 2:10–11 and the angel’s proclamation of “good news of great joy.” It reminds us that true joy is not found in fleeting pleasures, but in God’s sustaining presence amid life’s hardships. Jesus was born into a violent, oppressive world, yet His arrival still brought great joy. We’re given four reasons to rejoice: God is with us (Emmanuel), salvation has come by grace, our suffering has purpose, and joy is ultimately found in a person—Jesus. This joy is deeply practical, meeting us in illness, loss, strained relationships, and every valley of life. The message ultimately asks: are we settling for happiness, or living in the enduring joy of knowing we are loved by God?

Main Points:

- Joy is not the absence of difficulty; it’s the presence of God in the midst of difficulty

- Salvation brings joy that our circumstances cannot erase

- God uses our trials to build character and draw us closer to Him

- Jesus Himself is our joy: He doesn’t just give it, He embodies it

- We were made for fellowship with God; this is our purpose

Scripture Referenced:

Luke 2:10-11; Philippians 4:7; James 4:8; Hebrews 13:5; John 10:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16-17; Matthew 11:28; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:1; Isaiah 26:3; John 15:11; Hebrews 12:2

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer – Begin by thanking God for His presence and asking Him to guide your discussion

.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1) Joy Has Come Because God Is Near

Key Verse: Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you”

2) How does the biblical concept of joy differ from worldly happiness, and where in your life have you experienced joy that persisted despite difficult circumstances?

3) In what ways does knowing that God is near and will never leave or forsake you change how you approach daily challenges and uncertainties?

4) Joy Has Come Because Salvation Has Arrived

Key Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 – Saved by grace through faith, not works

5) The sermon emphasizes that salvation comes by grace, not works, yet many people still try to earn God’s love. What barriers keep you from fully receiving God’s grace without trying to earn it?

6) Joy Has Come Because Sorrow and Suffering Now Have Meaning

Key Verse: James 1:2-4 – Trials produce steadfastness and endurance

7) How can suffering and trials actually produce joy and intimacy with God rather than distance us from Him, as suggested in James 1:2-4?

8) The sermon mentions that God finds joy in helping and walking with us. How does viewing God as delighted to be with you rather than disappointed in you transform your prayer life and faith?

9) Joy Has Come Because Joy Is a Person

Key Verse: John 15:11 – “That my joy may be in you”

10) What does it mean that Jesus embodies joy rather than just giving joy, and how does understanding this change your relationship with Him?

11) The sermon mentioned that “unbelief” is the sin that most easily entangles us. Where are you struggling to believe that God is who He says He is?

Practical Application (Choose one or more of the following to practice this week):

Option 1: Practice Presence

Each day, take 5-10 minutes to simply acknowledge God’s presence with you. Use the simple prayer Gary mentioned: “Jesus.” Simply acknowledge He is with you in whatever you’re facing.

Option 2: Joy Inventory

Make two lists: “What makes me happy” and “What gives me joy.” Notice the difference. Are you pursuing temporary happiness or lasting joy?

Option 3: Suffering Reframe

If you’re going through a difficult time, ask God each day: “What are You building in me through this?” Journal what you see Him doing in you.

Option 4: Share the Joy

Tell someone this week why you have joy – not happiness, but deep joy – because of what Christ has done. Be specific about the gospel.

Personal Reflection

1) God is near: Gary said, “God knows you and still loves you.” Which is harder for you to believe: that God knows you completely, or that He loves you anyway? Why?

2) Salvation has arrived: Have you received God’s grace, or are you still trying to earn His love? What would it look like to truly rest in the fact that salvation is “not your own doing, it is the gift of God”?

3) Sorrow has meaning: Gary shared about walking through funerals and watching friends face terminal illness with joy. When have you experienced God’s presence most intimately? Was it during good times or difficult times?

Worship Setlist:

Joyful (The One Who Saves); Angels We Have Heard on High; Jesus You Alone; The Lord is My Salvation; Joy to the World

As we continue our Advent series centered on peace, we are reminded that the deepest peace we long for cannot be produced by our own effort but is found in a person, Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace. Drawing from Isaiah 9:6, we encounter the child born to us whose names reveal his nature: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. The message unfolds in three transformative dimensions: we have peace through Christ, who bridged the impossible gap between our sinfulness and God’s perfection; we have the peace of Christ, which guards our hearts even when chaos surrounds us; and we have peace with Christ, enabling us to walk through life’s journey with purpose and confidence. Throughout Scripture, from the Garden of Eden to the cross, we see God’s consistent plan to restore peace, not through human strength or strategy, but through surrender and trust. The sermon challenges us to stop chasing peace through planning, preparation, and protection, and instead to receive it from the One who is peace itself. Whether we’re facing anxiety, uncertain futures, life’s big questions, or even the fear of death, our Prince of Peace has already fought the battle and won the victory, inviting us to rest in His completed work rather than our incomplete efforts.

Main Points:

- We have peace THROUGH Christ—Our Prince of Peace did what we could never do: He provided a way of peace between the perfection of God and the sinfulness of man.

- We have peace OF Christ—Our Prince of Peace did what we could never do: He provided a way of peace between the anxiety of life and the sovereignty of God.

- We have peace WITH Christ—Our Prince of Peace did what we could never do: He provided a way of peace with others and with our journey in life.

Scripture Referenced:

Isaiah 9:6; Exodus 15; Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20; Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27; John 16:33; Colossians 3:15; Matthew 5:9; Galatians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 15 – Reference to Jesus as “the last Adam”; John 1:29 – “Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”; Exodus 12 – The Passover lamb; Exodus 17 – Water from the rock; 1 Corinthians 10 – Jesus as the rock; John 4 – Jesus as living water; John 6 – Jesus as the bread of life (feeding of 5,000 and 4,000); John 1:14 – “The word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us”; Numbers 21 – Bronze serpent on the pole; John 3 – Jesus lifted up like the serpent; Ruth – Boaz as kinsman redeemer; Galatians 4 – Jesus as kinsman redeemer; Matthew 12 – Reference to Jonah and three days; 2 Samuel 5:1-10 – David becomes king and takes Jerusalem; “the blind and the lame”; John 10 – Jesus as the good shepherd; Hebrews 13:20 – Jesus as the great shepherd; 1 Peter 5:4 – Jesus as the chief shepherd; John 5 – Healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda; John 9 – Healing of the blind man at the pool of Siloam; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 5:7; Isaiah 26:3; Philemon – The entire book (reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus); Proverbs 2 – Searching for wisdom like silver and treasure; Nahum (entire book) – Referenced as “Divine Warrior Hymn”; Jonah – General reference to the prophet and Nineveh

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin your time together asking God to open hearts and minds to truly understand what it means to have Jesus as our Prince of Peace in every area of life.

Sermon Discussion Questions

Read Isaiah 9:6, Romans 5:1, and Colossians 1:19-20

1) The sermon traced how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (including the main passage of Isaiah 9:6) and Old Testament symbols (Passover lamb, bronze serpent, David’s kingship, etc.). Which of these connections was most meaningful to you? Why?

2) In what ways do we sometimes try to earn peace with God rather than receiving it as a gift through Christ?

Read Philippians 4:6-7 and Isaiah 26:3

3) The sermon described anxiety as going “all directions.” When have you experienced this? What typically triggers anxiety in your life?

4) How does the peace of Christ differ from the world’s version of peace (avoiding conflict, controlling circumstances, etc.)?

Read Matthew 5:9, Colossians 3:15, and John 16:33

5) The sermon said, “Because of our vertical peace with God, we can have horizontal peace with others.” How does your relationship with God affect your ability to pursue peace with others?

The sermon mentioned we can have peace with:

Others in relationships

Our purpose and calling

Life’s big questions

Even death itself

Which of these feels hardest to trust God with, and why?

Practical Application

1) Peace Audit – Identify one area where you’re chasing peace through control rather than trust. What would it look like to surrender that area to Christ this week?

2) Peacemaking – Is there a relationship where you need to pursue peace? Take one concrete step toward reconciliation, forgiveness, or honest conversation.

3) Scripture Treasure Hunt – Pick one of the Old Testament/New Testament connections mentioned in the sermon. Study both passages and journal what you discover about Jesus as your Redeemer and Prince of Peace.

4) Composure Practice – When anxiety hits this week, practice the three-step response:

Pause the panic

Pray honest prayers

Trust instead of trying to control

Personal Reflection

1) Where am I trying to create my own peace instead of receiving it from Christ?

2) What would change in my life if I truly believed Christ is my Prince of Peace?

3) What is one specific anxiety I need to cast on Him today?

Worship Setlist:

Sing We the Song of Emmanuel; O Come All Ye Faithful; Christ Be Magnified; Come Let Us Adore Him; Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me

As we begin our Advent series focusing on Hope, we’re invited to discover what it truly means to anchor our lives in something unshakeable. Drawing from Hebrews 10:19-25, we encounter three transformative truths: our hope is anchored in Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, and strengthened by each other. This isn’t the wishful thinking of better circumstances; it’s a confident expectation rooted in God’s faithful promises. Like a boat without an anchor that slowly drifts away, our souls can wander when we lose sight of the gospel. Whether haunted by past sins, overwhelmed by present circumstances, or anxious about an uncertain future, we’re reminded that Jesus has canceled our debt, promises to be with us in every season, and holds our future securely. As we gather together during Advent, we’re not just celebrating a season, we’re remembering that Jesus came, recognizing He is with us now, and anticipating His return when all will be made complete.

Main Points:

- Our hope is anchored in Jesus

- Our hope is empowered by the Spirit

- Our hope is strengthened by each other

Scripture Referenced:

Hebrews 10:19-25 (Main passage); Genesis 3; Hebrews 6:19; Colossians 2:13-14; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:18; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 2:9

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word, strengthen your hope in the gospel, and to help your group grow in authenticity and dependence on Him through His Spirit during this time together.

Scripture Reading

Have someone read Hebrews 10:19-25 aloud. Then read it again from a different translation if possible.

Observation Questions:

1) What words or phrases stand out to you?

2) What does this passage reveal to us about the character of God?

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) How would you define “hope” in your own words? How is biblical hope different from wishful thinking or positive thinking?

2) The sermon identified three areas that can make us waver: the past, the present, and the future. Which of these three tends to shake your hope most often, and why?

Past: Sins, mistakes, or regrets that haunt us

Present: Current difficult circumstances

Future: Uncertainty about what’s ahead

3) Read Colossians 2:13-14. How does this passage address the power of past sins? What does it mean that Jesus “canceled the record of debt” by nailing it to the cross?

4) For those struggling with present circumstances: How can we find hope in God’s presence with us rather than hoping for circumstances to change? What promises from Scripture encourage you in this?

5) How does prayer specifically help us access the hope that God offers? Share about a time when praying God’s promises strengthened your hope.

6) Read Hebrews 10:24-25. Why do you think gathering together is so important for maintaining hope? What happens when we neglect meeting together?

7) Jesus called us “the light of the world.” What does it look like to carry hope into the darkness around us? Who in your life needs to see the hope you have in Christ?

Practical Application

Choose 1-2 of these to commit to this week:

1) Daily Gospel Reminder: Each morning this week, read or recite a gospel promise (like Colossians 2:13-14 or Isaiah 41:10) to anchor your day in hope.

2) Prayer Practice: Use Romans 15:13 as a prayer template. Pray it for yourself and for others in your group by name, asking the Spirit to fill each member of your group with joy and peace that only comes from Him.

3) Advent Devotions: If you’ve fallen behind on Advent readings, restart today. Focus on quality over catching up, just begin again.

4) Encourage Someone: Reach out to someone in your group or church family this week with a specific word of encouragement, reminding them of God’s promises.

5) Share Your Hope: Identify one person in your life who needs hope. Pray for an opportunity to share how Jesus has been your anchor and look for that opportunity this week.

6) Community Commitment: If you’ve been sporadic in attending group or church, commit to consistent gathering as a way to strengthen your hope.

Worship Setlist:

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus; O Come O Come Emmanuel; Hope Has a Name; King of Kings; Living Hope

What if the fellowship we’re experiencing in our community groups and church gatherings is built on the wrong foundation? This message challenges us to examine whether we’ve constructed our community on shared interests and convenient connections (like strangers bonding at a football game) or on the eternal, transforming work of Christ. Drawing from 1 John 1:1-7, we’re reminded that true biblical fellowship isn’t something we create through common hobbies or similar life stages. Instead, it flows from a deep, eternal bond created by Christ’s work in us and sustained by our shared relationship with God.

The early church in Acts 2 demonstrates this powerfully: 3,000 diverse people from 15 different nations, speaking different languages, with different cultures and backgrounds, were suddenly united not by what made them similar, but by the Spirit of God dwelling in them. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, and the result was awe-inspiring generosity, joy, and a magnetic community that drew others to Christ. The convicting question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we rebuilding the very barriers that Jesus died to tear down? When we say community is hard because we live in different neighborhoods, our kids go to different schools, or our personalities don’t click, are we allowing preferences and convenience to override the unity Christ purchased for us? Walking in the light means walking with the Spirit, bearing with one another in love, and making faithful deposits in our relationships. This is the fellowship God designed for us, and it’s worth fighting for.

Main Points:

- The source of all fellowship is God Himself – Father, Son, and Spirit in eternal unity

- Fellowship flows from transformation – Our unity is based on Christ’s work in us, not common interests

- The Spirit enables us to walk in the light – We cannot foster true fellowship in our own strength

- Unity requires intentionality – We must actively work to preserve the unity Christ purchased for us

- Love is the mark of true fellowship – Biblical love bears all things, is patient, gentle, and doesn’t insist on its own way

Scripture Referenced:

1 John 1:1-7 – Main passage; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 5:11-12; John 1:1; John 16; John 17; Psalm 139; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:9; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:1-3

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and to help your group grow in authenticity and dependence on Him through this time together.

Scripture Reading

Have someone read 1 John 1:1-7 aloud. Then read it again from a different translation if possible.

Observation Questions:

1) What words or phrases stand out to you?

2) What does this passage tell us about the foundation of Christian fellowship?

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) How does the truth that God has existed in perfect fellowship as Father, Son, and Spirit for all eternity shape your understanding of what fellowship should look like among believers?

2) How would you describe the difference between “stadium fellowship” (common interests) and biblical fellowship? Can you think of examples from your own life?

3) Graham emphasized that our fellowship with one another flows out of our fellowship with God. How might neglecting your relationship with God be impacting your ability to experience deep community with others?

4) The early church in Acts 2 was incredibly diverse, spanning three continents, fifteen nations, and multiple languages, yet they were united in Christ. What specific barriers in your own life might be preventing you from experiencing this kind of unity?

5) Graham shared his story of transformation through Newley’s witness. How has someone else’s transformed life impacted your own faith? Or, if you’re comfortable, share your own transformation story.

Practical Application

1) Choose one or more of the following ideas to incorporate in your community group or with fellow believers if you are currently not in a community group:

DAILY – When someone comes to mind, pray for them and send a quick text letting them know.

WEEKLY – Look for additional ways to gather beyond your regular meeting. Be creative and flexible.

MONTHLY – Plan a meal together as a group. Slow down, prepare food together, and have gospel conversations.

YEARLY – Schedule a retreat for 2026 (24 hours together = four months of community group time!). Share meals, rest, enjoy uninterrupted time for fellowship, and open God’s Word together.

Personal Reflection

1) How has my life been transformed by Jesus, and who in my life needs to hear my testimony so they too may have fellowship with me and with God? (Spend some time thanking God for His transforming work in your life and ask the Spirit to give you an opportunity to share your story with anyone who may have come to mind).

2) In what ways might I be rebuilding barriers to biblical fellowship that Jesus died to tear down, whether through preferences about personality types, neighborhood location, parenting styles, common interests, or spiritual pace? What barriers am I placing between myself and deeper fellowship with my community group?

3) Which “faithful deposit” commitment will I make this week?

Worship Setlist:

Jesus, Firm Foundation; Holy Holy Holy (Jesus Reigns); The Lord Our God; How Great is Our God; All Sufficient Merit

We often think of accountability as something negative, like being caught doing something wrong or facing consequences for our mistakes. But what if gospel accountability is actually about restoration, not condemnation? Drawing from Galatians 6:1-2, we discover that Christian accountability begins with remembering our shared identity in Christ. We’re not moral referees keeping score on each other; we’re family helping one another walk out who we already are as new creations. The goal isn’t to catch people in sin but to gently restore those who’ve been ‘overtaken’ – tripped up by temptation or slowly drifting away from intimacy with Jesus. Like a surgeon carefully setting a broken bone or a fisherman meticulously mending a net, we’re called to the patient work of helping each other return to health and usefulness. This requires profound humility, acknowledging that we too can drift, that our hearts can wander even through good intentions. When we humble ourselves enough to self-report our struggles, to give others license to speak into our lives, we create space for genuine burden-bearing. The beautiful truth is that we don’t carry these weights alone. Just as Jesus bore our ultimate burden on the cross, we’re freed to shoulder each other’s daily struggles. This is how we fulfill the law of Christ: loving our neighbors as ourselves by walking alongside them through their temptations, their pain, and their journey back to believing the beauty of the gospel.

Main Points:

- Gospel accountability begins with identity: we are brothers and sisters in Christ, family helping each other walk out who we already are

- The goal of Christian accountability is gentle restoration, not fixing or condemning people

- Being “caught” in sin means being overtaken or tripped up, not busted by others

- Restoration is like mending what’s broken – carefully bringing someone back to health and usefulness

- Gospel accountability requires humility – recognizing our own capacity to drift and being willing to self-report struggles

- Gospel accountability bears the weight together – we must be vulnerable about our burdens so others can help carry them

- We bear physical, spiritual, and emotional burdens in community, fulfilling the law of Christ by loving our neighbors

Scripture Referenced:

Galatians 6:1-2 – Main passage; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:7-10; John 8:1-11; Mark 4:18-19; James 5:16; Galatians 5:14; James 1:19

This message calls us to re-center our community groups on the Word of God and prayer as the true means of spiritual growth in Christlikeness. Drawing from Colossians 3:1–17 and Acts 2:42–47, it challenges us to move beyond social connection or surface-level accountability toward gatherings anchored in Scripture and prayer. Like the tree in Psalm 1, authentic growth comes not through striving but through allowing the word of Christ dwell richly within us. The sermon warns against building community on shared interests rather than the gospel, reminding us that Christ alone unites His people. Practically, this means bringing our Bibles, reading and praying together, and allowing God’s Word to shape our hearts so our groups become spaces of transformation, not just conversation.

Main Points:

- Community groups should maintain a balance of three ingredients: Scripture and prayer, fellowship, and accountability

- Scripture and prayer function like protein in nutrition—they provide the growth and strength needed for spiritual maturity

- The gospel is what truly unites believers in community; “gospel plus something else” communities tend to drift from their foundation

- Colossians 3 teaches that letting the word of Christ “dwell richly” in us is essential for putting off the old self and putting on the new

- Prayer was central to Jesus’ life and should be equally central to ours: for fellowship with God, making decisions, times of distress, and interceding for others

- The early church in Acts devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer both in temple courts and in homes

- Scripture acts as a mirror that reveals areas needing adjustment in our lives

- When someone is struggling, prayer and encouragement from God’s Word should be our first response before we try to fix the problem or offer advice

- If God’s truth and prayer are not a consistent part of our community groups, we will begin to see our differences or annoyances with each other more easily and forget about what unites us. Community will not be life-giving, and we may even lose a desire to even attend

Scripture Referenced:

Colossians 3:1-17 – Main passage

Psalm 1 – Referenced regarding the tree planted by streams of water

Luke 6:12-16 – Jesus praying before choosing the 12 disciples

John 17 – Jesus praying on behalf of others

Ephesians 6:10-20 – The sword of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit

Acts 2:42-47 – Early church devotion to apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer

James 5:16 – Confess sins to each other and pray for one another

James 1:23-25 – God’s word as a mirror

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and to help your group grow in authenticity and dependence on Him through this time together.

Scripture Reading

Have someone read Colossians 3:1-17 aloud. Then read it again from a different translation if possible.

Observation Questions:

1) What words or phrases stand out to you?

2) What does this passage tell us about who we are in Christ?

3) What specific behaviors does Paul tell us to “put off” and “put on”?

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) Colossians 3:16 says to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” What does it mean for God’s Word to “dwell” in us versus just “visit” us? What practices help God’s Word take up permanent residence in your life?

2)Jason Bradshaw mentioned that “the word isn’t just for our information, it’s for our transformation.” What’s the difference between these two approaches to Scripture? Which approach do you tend to default to?

3) In what ways have you seen the Holy Spirit work through Scripture and prayer to transform someone in your community group over time?

4) Why do you think prayer was such a massive part of Jesus’ life, and what does that reveal about our own need for consistent prayer?

Practical Application:

1) Looking at the “community balance chart” from the sermon. How would you honestly assess the balance in our group (Scripture/Prayer, Accountability, Fellowship)? Are we spending enough time in Scripture and prayer together? What might need to shift?

2) Read James 1:23-25. When you read Colossians 3 today, what did the “mirror” reveal to you? What needs adjusting in your life based on this passage in Colossians? Spend some time in prayer confessing areas you need to “put to death” and ask the Spirit to empower you through the love of God, as His chosen one, to “put on” what is of Him.

Worship Setlist:

Ancient Gates; There is a Savior; Who Else; Christ our Hope in Life and Death; Abide

What if the very thing we’re withholding from our spiritual lives is exactly what we need most? This week jumped into a new four-week series on what it means to cultivate authentic biblical community. Drew Zeiler uses the metaphor of a garden to explore how Christian community functions in our lives. Just as a neglected yard becomes overrun with weeds when we stop watering it, our spiritual lives suffer when we withdraw from authentic relationships with other believers. Drawing from Genesis 2 and 3, we’re reminded that from the very beginning, God designed us for relationship—not just with Him, but with each other. The Garden of Eden wasn’t just about Adam and Eve’s relationship with God; it was about the beauty of being fully known and fully loved without shame or fear. Yet sin introduced barriers: fear of rejection, selfishness, and isolation. Satan’s ancient strategy remains the same—to scatter us from the herd and pick us off one by one. But here’s the beautiful truth: God grows His people in the garden of Christian community. When we embrace the ‘one anothers’ of Scripture—loving, forgiving, bearing burdens, confessing faults, serving, and praying for each other—we create a community so attractive that it becomes a powerful witness to a watching world.

Main Points:

- The Beauty of Christian Community (Genesis 2)

- God designed us for relationship from the beginning

- Community is intentional, like a carefully designed garden

- We were created for transparency and authentic connection

- God designs both individuals and communities with purpose

- The Barriers to Christian Community (Genesis 3)

- Fear of Rejection: Sin causes us to hide and isolate

- Selfishness: Putting our needs and preferences above others

- Satan uses fear to scatter and isolate us from community

- The Benefits of Christian Community (The “One Anothers”)

- Love one another

- Forgive one another

- Bear one another’s burdens

- Confess to one another

- Serve one another

- Pray for one another

Scripture Referenced:

Genesis 2; Genesis 3; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 2:11-12; Acts 17:26; Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17; Romans 2:4

Discussion Questions:

1) How does the image of a garden help you understand the intentionality and beauty God desires for Christian community in your own life?

2) What does it mean that God has determined the time, place, and people in your life according to Acts 17:26, and how does this change your perspective on difficult relationships?

3) The sermon mentioned that “the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

4) In what ways have you experienced fear of rejection causing you to hide or keep people at arm’s length in your relationships, and how might confession and vulnerability break that pattern?

4) Why do you think isolation is one of Satan’s primary strategies, and what practical steps can you take to resist the temptation to withdraw from community when struggling with sin?

5) Reflecting on Genesis 2:18 that ‘it is not good for man to be alone,’ how does your current level of engagement in Christian community align with God’s design for human flourishing?

Practical Application:

1) The sermon stated, “Leadership means you always go first.” What would it look like for you to “go first” in your community group this week? Take the next faithful step to pursue those God has placed in your life.

2) Read Hebrews 10:24-25. How can we practically “stir one another up to love and good deeds” in our community group or church family? Encourage someone in your group or in the broader church this week.

3) Drew Zeiler mentioned that God may have placed people in your life who are different from you to refine you. Is there someone in community who “rubs you the wrong way”? How might God be using that person to make you more like Christ? Take some time to pray specifically for that person, thanking God for them and asking God to grow your love for them.

Worship Setlist:

Jesus, Firm Foundation; In Christ Alone; Undivided Heart; Hosanna; O Praise the Name

As followers of Christ, we’re called to be a church that deeply depends on God, reflecting Jesus in every aspect of our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 reminds us of our mission: to encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, and do good to others. But how do we live this way? Through continual prayer, praise, and gratitude, allowing God’s Spirit to work in and through us. This dependence on God strengthens us and deepens our fellowship with Him. As we wait for Christ’s return, we’re assured that God Himself is faithfully sanctifying us. By turning to Him in all things, we’re empowered to live faithfully for His kingdom. Let’s embrace this roadmap of faith: recognizing God’s faithfulness, depending on Him wholly, and then living out His love in our community and beyond.

Main Points:

- God remains faithful and good even during times of transition and uncertainty

- We are called to live on mission by encouraging the faint-hearted, helping the weak, and doing good to others

- Deepening our dependence on God through prayer, praise, and gratitude strengthens us individually and as a church

- God is actively sanctifying us and accomplishing His work in and through us

- Our individual dependence on God strengthens the collective church community

- We should remember our identity as God’s beloved children

Discussion Questions:

1) Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 together. What specific instructions does Paul give in these verses? How can we apply these to our lives today?

2) How can we cultivate a deeper dependence on God in our daily lives, especially during times of transition or uncertainty?

3) In what ways can we actively encourage the faint-hearted and help the weak in our church community and beyond? When hearing this question, is there anyone that currently comes to mind? Pray for that person and ask God if there is any specific encouragement you or your group can offer them.

4) How can we balance the call to ‘admonish the idle’ with being ‘patient with all’ as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5?

5) How can we create a culture of confession and vulnerability within our church community that leads to freedom and growth?

Practical Application:

1) Pray: Set an alarm for 8:00 a.m. each day to join the rest of the church body in praying over our local church – that we would be on mission and that the values we hold would be true to who we are. Pray for our leaders, pray for the Teaching Pastor search, and pray for boldness to live out your faith each day.

2) Serve: If you do not have a place to serve and would like to connect and care for others, please jump in! Use this link to learn more and sign up to serve in any area you may be able to help.

3) Give: As followers of Christ, we are called to steward the resources God has given us in a way that brings Him glory and builds up His church. If you have been encouraged and spurred on at Watermark Fort Worth, would you consider giving to this local church, not out of guilt, but with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7)?

Worship Setlist:

As Loud As He Is Worthy (Psalm 47); Lord, I Need You; We Fall Down/You are Awesome in this Place; Lean Back; Doxology

Today, we delve into the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, found in John 4. This encounter beautifully illustrates how Jesus alone can satisfy our deepest spiritual thirst. We see Christ intentionally breaking social barriers to reach out to someone considered an outcast, reminding us that His love knows no boundaries. The ‘living water’ Jesus offers is a powerful metaphor for the eternal life and satisfaction found only in Him. This narrative challenges us to confront our own brokenness and allow Jesus to meet us there, just as He did with the Samaritan woman. Are we, like her, willing to leave behind our ‘water jars’ – our old ways and pursuits – to embrace the living water Christ offers? This message urges us to reflect on what we’re seeking to satisfy our souls and invites us to turn to Jesus, the only true source of fulfillment.

Main Points:

- Jesus alone satisfies our soul

- Jesus sends us to share our testimony

- God meets us in our brokenness and moves towards us

- Our souls long for something only God can satisfy

Scripture Referenced:

John 4:1-42 (The main passage discussed throughout the sermon); Genesis 32:22-32 (Alluded to when mentioning God wrestling with Jacob); John 3:16-17; Psalm 42:1-2; Titus 3:3-5; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Discussion Questions:

1) The sermon mentions various things people pursue for satisfaction (success, relationships, entertainment, etc.). What are some ways you’ve sought satisfaction apart from Jesus? How did those efforts fall short?

2) Reread John 4:1-42 and reflect on Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman. How does Jesus’ approach to her challenge cultural norms? What does this reveal about His character?

3) Jason Bradshaw stated, “Where we feel the most broken and least satisfied is exactly where Jesus wants to meet us.” How have you experienced this in your own life?

4) Discuss the concept of being “fully known” by Jesus. Why is this both comforting and challenging?

5) How does the woman’s immediate response to share her testimony compare to our own eagerness (or hesitation) to share about Jesus?

6) The sermon emphasizes that our testimony includes not just our initial salvation experience, but also how God continually works in our lives. Share a recent example of God’s faithfulness in your life.

7) What are some practical ways we can create opportunities to share our testimony with others in our daily lives?

Practical Application:

1) Write Your Testimony: Take time this week to write out your testimony, focusing on how Jesus has satisfied your soul and continues to work in your life.

2) Identify Your Mission Field: List 3-5 people in your life (neighbors, coworkers, family members) who need to hear about Jesus. Commit to praying for opportunities to share with them.

3) Serve Others: Consider jumping into a new service area at church (e.g., re:generation on Mondays, The Porch on Tuesdays, Re|Engage on Wednesdays, Kids Ministry on Sundays, etc.) to practice sharing your faith and meeting people in their brokenness.

Worship Setlist:

Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord); As the Deer; King of Kings; Abide; Build My Life

This week’s sermon explores the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) and the call to faithful stewardship. God entrusts each of us with time, talents, and treasures—not for our own gain, but to manage wisely for His glory. We are reminded that one day we will give an account for how we’ve used what He’s placed in our care. Faithful stewardship brings God’s approval, greater responsibility, and the joy of fellowship with Him, while poor stewardship stems from a distorted view of who God is.

Through this message, we’re challenged to reflect on how we’re investing what God has given us. Are we using our gifts to advance His kingdom? Every task, relationship, and challenge becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth and kingdom impact. Ultimately, this sermon invites us to shift our perspective to see success not by results, but by our faithfulness, and to live each day intentionally for Christ.

Main Points:

- We are called to be faithful stewards of our time, talents, and treasures.

- God rewards faithful stewards with approval, greater responsibility, and joy.

- Poor stewardship often stems from a wrong view of God.

Scripture Referenced:

Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 24:1; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; Psalm 31:15; Colossians 4:5; James 4:13-15; 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Hebrews 11:6; Deuteronomy 8:18; Luke 12:48; Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ecclesiastes 9:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7

Discussion Questions:

1) At the beginning of the sermon, Drew Zeiler asks, “What if we knew Jesus was coming back in the next 30 days?” How would that change your priorities and actions? What does this reveal about your current stewardship?

2) How do you currently view your time, talents, and treasures – do you see them as yours or as God’s resources entrusted to you? In what ways does your current use of time, talents, and treasures reflect your priorities and view of God?

3) God rewards faithfulness, not necessarily visible results. How does this shift your understanding of success in serving God?

4) What areas of your life do you find it most challenging to steward well? Why?

5) The sermon suggests that poor stewardship often flows from a wrong view of God. What misconceptions about God’s character might lead to unfaithful stewardship?

6) How can you cultivate a more accurate view of God’s character to inspire better stewardship in your life?

Practical Application:

1) Prayer: Start each day by thanking God for specific resources He’s entrusted to you and ask for wisdom to steward them well. Ask “how can I be a faithful steward today in my current circumstances?”

2) Reflect: Look back over the past week – does your use of time align with your priorities as a steward of God’s resources?

3) Review: Evaluate your spending and giving habits. Are there ways you could be more faithful in stewarding your finances for God’s kingdom?

4) Community: If you believe there is an area where you could grow in stewardship and service, share it with your community for accountability. Is there an opportunity for your community group to use the collective time, talents, and resources God has given to you for the advancement of the gospel?

Worship Setlist:

To God be the Glory; How Great is Your Love; Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus; Promises; Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me