Marriage - 1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 5:22-33, Colossians 3:18-19

Sermon Summary - In both Paul and Peter we discover a consistent pattern for how marriages are to function in the way of Jesus. Christian marriage is the coming together of a man and woman to love one another within the unique roles Christ has given each. Men are called to gently nourish, care for, and lead their wives as they are led by Jesus. Women are called to yield to their husband’s leadership as they come together as a team to display Christ with their lives. All of this is fueled by the love of Christ poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit. The ongoing union and communion of marriage are fueled by their union and communion with Christ himself.

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse - Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Colossians 3:18–19 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Ephesians 5:22-33. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - What are the general roles given for men and women in a Christian marriage? How have these been abused? How have they been neglected? Why is union and communion with Christ so vital in embracing the way of Jesus in our marriage?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - In what ways does your marriage currently, reflect the beauty and love of Christ for the church? What areas do you need to grow in (not your spouse but you)? Who could you seek out to get help in areas that your marriage needs to grow in?

Kids Worship Questions:

1. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. What do you find most interesting about this text? Draw a picture of what you read in these verses.
2. How is the Christian definition of marriage distinctive from the way our culture views marriage? Talk with your parents about how you can hold to the way of Jesus in your view of marriage with humility even though others around you might have different opinions.
3. How can you encourage your parents in their marriage? What can you learn from their marriage about God’s love for his church?

Identity - Galatians 3:26-4:7

Sermon Summary - In this series, we are mining through the New Testament letters written by the apostles as they obeyed Jesus’s commission and did this work of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples, and starting churches. We want to see— what is the way of Jesus? What does it look like for faith in the gospel to truly change the way we live? What does it look like for the gospel to make us new? In this sermon, we see that if we are going to live the way of Jesus we must understand the new identity we have in Christ. Through faith in Christ, we are given a new identity that is true, an identity that is good, and an identity that works.

Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse - So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (Galatians 4:7 ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Galatians 4:7. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - What spoke to you the most from this passage/sermon? Describe your struggle with identity. Where does your understanding of who you are come from? What is the true and good news of our “gospel identity”? How do you feel about being an adopted son of God?
3. Live the Way of Jesus - In which area of your life do you most struggle to remember that you’re clothed with Christ? What changes in your life when you live like an adopted son/daughter of God?

The Way of Jesus Introduction - Acts 1:1-8

Sermon Summary - In Acts 1:3 we learn that the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples and teaches them for forty days before he ascends to Heaven. After accomplishing the work of redemption, Jesus teaches us how to live as people shaped and motivated by the Gospel. This Gospel shaped life is what we call the way of Jesus. The Way of Jesus speaks to every part of our life and every follower of Jesus must humbly yield to the teaching of Christ. The way of Jesus is the better way because it is true, it is good, and it works.

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse - He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Acts 1:1-8. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - How is the way of Jesus different from just being a moral person (think about motivation and connection to the Gospel)? Why is it important that the way of Jesus flows from our faith in the redemptive Work of Jesus in the Gospel?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - What area of your life do you sense is most out of line with the Gospel? How does your way of living in this area prove to be false, unsatisfying, and broken? What might it look like to embrace the way of Jesus in this area and trust his way to be right, good, and wise?

Kids Worship Questions

1. Read Acts 1:1-8. What do you find most interesting about this story? Draw a picture of resurrected Jesus appearing to and teaching his disciples.
2. What would it look like to treat your friends and family as God has treated you in Christ? This connection is helpful for understanding how we are to relate to other people in our life.
3. How often do you ask others to help you learn to live the way of Jesus? What is one area you want to learn more about living in the way of Jesus? Ask your parents to help you find scriptures that will guide you in this area.

The Way of Jesus - Series Overview

During the first four months of the year, we spent time digging into the Gospel of Luke together as a church. As we preached through Luke on Sundays and studied Luke together in our DNA groups, we got an up-close look at who Jesus is and all that he accomplished for us in the Gospel. The Gospel culminates in the death and resurrection of Jesus which brings us forgiveness and new resurrection life. Part of the new life we receive by faith in Jesus is learning how the Gospel motivates and shapes every part of our life. The Gospel of Jesus is the motivation and pattern for us to live in the way of Jesus.

Not only did Jesus show us in his life and teaching his way, but after he resurrected from the dead he opened his disciple’s eyes to see how all the scriptures testify to Him. We read in Acts 1:3 that the resurrected Jesus “presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” Jesus himself spent time after he raised from the dead teaching His way to the Apostles.

A quick survey of the New Testament (especially the epistles) reveals that the way of Jesus was passed on by his Apostles and ultimately recorded for us in the scriptures. As we consider the letters written by James, John, Peter, and Paul we see consistent teaching about living the way of Jesus. Ultimately this is living a life that is consistent with the Gospel, a life powered and shaped by the Gospel of Jesus. Throughout the New Testament letters, we see that the Apostles wrote to churches to address key issues of their life as they related to the Gospel of Grace. The authoritative way of how we should live flows from Jesus to his Apostles to his church and we see this coming through in the New Testament letters.

During this sermon series, we will look at a variety of New Testament passages that show us what it looks like to live in the way of Jesus in the various relationships and situations we find ourselves in. We will look at what the scriptures say about the way of Jesus in regard to our identity, marriage or singleness, our sexuality, our words to one another, our view of the church and leadership, our rhythms of work and rest, and how we share the Gospel with others. With each topic, we will look to the scriptures as our authority on what it looks like to live the way of Jesus in each area and how the Gospel is our motivation for this. With each topic, we will also consider how the way of Jesus is better than the ways of the world around us. We will consider how the way of Jesus is better because it is truth (coming from Jesus and the Apostles authority), it leads to a better experience of life, and finally, because it works. Our prayer is that we would humbly receive this way of Jesus and allow the Spirit to re-shape our life as we trust in God’s word together.

Sermon Schedule
Sunday, April 28th - The Way of Jesus
Sunday, May 5th - Identity
Sunday, May 12th - Marriage
Sunday, May 19th - Sexuality
Sunday, May 26th - Speech & Words
Sunday, June 2nd - Life Together as the Church
Sunday, June 9th - Church Leadership
Sunday, June 16th - Work
Sunday, June 23rd - Sabbath Rest
Sunday, June 30th - Evangelism

April 2019 Partner Update

Redeemer Family,

This month instead of a partners meeting we are continuing to do a brief video update along with this post. I hope that this helps keep you updated on where we are as a church and where we are heading over the next few months. Also, please feel free to email me any questions or areas you would like me to address. 

Before I jump into the update, I just wanted to remind you what partnership means at Redeemer. First, what brings us together is our faith in the Gospel. We have professed faith in the Gospel, and as a sign of our faith, we have been baptized. Second, we are committed to regularly gathering and being active participants. We use our gifts to serve one another at our Sunday gatherings and in our MC gatherings. Third, we each are committed to growing as disciples of Jesus as we learn and live the way of Jesus together. Finally, we all give our time, talent, and treasure to support the ministry of our church.

A few evidences of grace to from the past few months:

Discipleship Foundations 2.0 - This past February we kicked off a rebooted version of our Discipleship Foundations course. We had 35 people go through the 10-week course with their DNA groups. We were able to capture most of the content by video and for those who are interested in checking it out you can visit the Foundations resource page here - LINK.

Women’s Retreat - In March we had over 40 women participate in our annual women’s retreat. From all accounts, it was a spiritually refreshing time and went well. We had several women from Redeemer lead the sessions and use their teaching gifts to serve the other women. Men, we made it through that Sunday gathering without most of our women as well!

Gospel of Luke - From January to April we preached through the Gospel of Luke and many people worked through the Gospel of Luke in their DNA groups. There was a noticeable increase in people regularly and meaningfully engaged in God’s word. Hopefully, our DNA guides are helping you study the scriptures together. I want to continue to encourage you to get plugged into a DNA group that digs into the scriptures together. 

*Our next series will pull from multiple New Testament letters as we consider the various aspects of living and learning the way of Jesus. I want to encourage DNA groups to pick one New Testament letter and work through it together over the next ten weeks.

Baptisms - This Easter we baptized eight people! Cole Cummings, Emily Reeves, Kendra Williford, Taylor Cohen, Henry Macias, Wes Sucher, Katie House, and Garrett House. What a joy to celebrate resurrection life with these newly baptized brothers and sisters in Christ!

New Partners - Since the beginning of 2019 we have added 12 new covenant partners.

2019 Q1 Giving - Click to see 2019 Q1 Giving Info

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Looking forward to May/June/July

Upcoming May/June/July 2019 Gathering Schedule

• April 28th - June 30th - 10am Sunday Gathering (The Way of Jesus Sermon Series)

• July 7th - Church Planting Sunday - 10am Sunday Gathering

• July 14th - August 25th - 10am Sunday Gathering (Genesis Sermon Series)

Saturday Workshops

• Marriage Workshop (Led by Rich and Barbie Hart) - Saturday, May 11th at 8:45a -12:45pm

• Parenting Workshop (Led by Josh and Lauren Reeves - Saturday, June 27th 9-11:45am

• Missional Community Training - Saturday, July 28th - 9-11:45am
  

MC Rest - During the months of June and July we encourage our Missional Communities to take a break from formal meetings. DNA groups and sharing life together can continue but during the summer it's a good time to rest from the larger group meetings. Groups will kick back off in August.

The Resurrection— Luke 24:1-12

Sermon Summary - In Luke 24:1-12 we see the account of the empty tomb. Early on Sunday morning, several of the women who followed Jesus came to the tomb to honor Jesus’s body with spices and ointment, to their surprise they found the stone rolled away and only grave clothes left behind. In this sermon, we consider all of the implications of the reality of the resurrection, and how it gives us marvelous hope in a world of suffering and death.

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse - But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. -Luke 24:12 ESV

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 24:1-12. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - What are your key takeaways from this text? How does it encourage or challenge you? What do you find marvelous about the claim of resurrection? Why is it important that we consider the reality of death in our world, rather than avoiding or escaping its sting? In what specific ways does the resurrection of Jesus give you hope right now?
3. Live the Way of Jesus - What areas of your life do you need to ask the Holy Spirit to bring new life? Areas of sin, brokenness, shame that need to be resurrected? Do you believe that God will do it? Spend time praying for at least one person in your life who does not yet know the good news of the resurrection. Pray for their salvation.

The Triumphal Entry— Luke 19:28-40

Sermon Summary - In Luke 19:28-40 Jesus and his disciples finally arrive in Jerusalem after a long journey. As he enters into the Holy City he is cheered and celebrated by the great crowds who are ready to crown him as their King. Yet Jesus makes it clear that he might not be the type of King they are expecting, he comes riding in on a young donkey— a picture of humility, a servant, Savior King.

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse - As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37-38)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 19:28-40. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - What are your key takeaways from this text? How does it encourage or challenge you? Jesus makes three things clear in the scene— 1) He is in full control, 2) He is indeed the promised Messiah (Zec. 9:9), 3) He is coming as a humble, servant king. Why is it important that he make these things clear to the crowds as he enters into Jerusalem?
3. Live the Way of Jesus - In what ways are you like the people in the crowds? What expectations do you have for Jesus? Are there any “strings attached” to your faith in him? What does it look like for you to trust him right now— trusting that he is in full control and working to redeem, even if it seems like he is not?

Jesus Saves A Rich Man - Luke 19:1-10

Sermon Summary - In this passage, we consider the lingering question from chapter 18, can a rich man be saved? We see in the story of Zacchaeus that the grace of God in Jesus has the power to save a rich and powerful man like Zacchaeus. When salvation comes to the rich it releases them from serving their money so that they might embrace a life of generosity and deal fairly with others. We too must embrace Jesus as our greatest treasure if want to experience freedom from the tyranny of wealth.

Listen to the sermon audio here.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse - And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today. Luke 19:5 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 19:1-11. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - How can you identify with Zacchaeus in this story? What temptations do you face in regards to money? Would you describe yourself as a steward of your finances or a servant to them?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - How has the presence of Jesus in your life challenged the way you steward your money? When Jesus becomes our greatest treasure we experience freedom from greed and openness to generosity. How is the Spirit leading you towards being more generous with your finances? What challenges might Jesus pose to the current financial situation in our country? Are there issues of injustice that he cares about that we need to care about?

Kids Worship Questions:

1. Read Luke 19:1-10. What do you find most interesting about this story? Draw a picture of Zacchaeus up in the tree and Jesus talking with him.
2. What is Zacchaeus response to Jesus? How would you respond to Jesus in this situation?
3. What might it look like for you to be generous with the money you have? What would keep you from being generous with your money?

The Prodigal Sons - Luke 15

Sermon Summary: In this passage, we slow down to consider how God pursues those who are lost. When that which is lost is found there is great rejoicing in heaven. In the story of the Prodigal sons, we learn that there are two ways that we can be left outside the party. Rebellion and religious pride. The question remains for the elder brothers, won’t you come to receive the same grace given your brother?

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 15:11-32. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - Who do you best identify within this parable of the prodigal sons? What does this Father teach us about God? How might this change the way we relate to God?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - Is there an area of your life that you sense God inviting you to leave behind and come home to receive forgiveness? For elder brothers, is there a person or group in your life that you find yourself angry and unwilling to extend forgiveness and grace?

Kids Worship Questions

1. Read Luke 15:11-32. Which character do you identify with? Draw a picture of this character.
2. How does the father welcome the younger son home after he wastes his inheritance? What does this teach us about God?
3. Draw a picture of the feast that the father throws for the younger son who came home. Where would you be in the feast? Why do you think the older brother didn’t want to join the party?

Jesus Warns the Self-Righteous— Luke 14:1-24

Sermon Summary: In Luke 14:1-24 Jesus finds himself in the home of a leading Pharisee, where he is invited into a dinner party. This dinner party gets tense quickly when Jesus heals a sick man and challenges the self-righteousness of the Pharisees. Jesus’s parables in this chapter show us the dangers of self-righteousness in our own lives.

Listen or Watch the sermon:
Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:1)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 14:1-24. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - What challenges you the most from this text? What are the dangers of self-righteousness that Jesus points out in his parables? Do you see your own bent toward self-righteousness? What are the things that give you a sense of being “good enough” or better than others? What gives you a sense of personal credibility, validity, or good standing? Anything other than Jesus reveals where your self-righteousness lies
3. Live the Way of Jesus - What does it look like for your to battle self-righteousness in your life? What is God saying to you from his word? What should you do about it?

Strategic Partnership Update

At Redeemer, we say that our mission can be summed up in four things. We gather on Sundays to reorient our worship around Jesus. In Missional Communities we share life in community and live on mission with other Christians. Through Foundations we want to help equip every person to follow Jesus, equip them in their faith, and empower them to use their gifts. Lastly, we have strategic gospel partnerships in our city and beyond. The video above will give you more information about our current strategic partnerships.

Repentance Required - Luke 13:1-17

Sermon Summary: In this passage, we slow down to consider humanities universal need for repentance. Jesus is not only calling rebels to repent but those filled with religious pride. To embrace Jesus and his message means that we must repent (turn around, have a change of heart). Repentance is not turning from doing bad things to doing good things, but rather from living apart from God (doing good or bad things) to a life of communion with God. This new life is given by God through Jesus death and resurrection. Because of Jesus, we have the Spirit dwelling in us, leading us to repentance, and empowering us to live in the way of Jesus.

Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:5 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 13:1-17. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - How do you respond when you are confronted about areas of sin in your life? Do you trust in God’s love for you enough, to be honest about sin? What might keep you from bringing your sin and weakness to God?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - What is one area of your life that you sense God leading you to repentance? After confessing this to God, consider what brothers and sisters you can confess this with. What aspect of the Gospel do you need to trust in? How is the Spirit leading you to respond in obedience?

Kids Worship Questions:

1. Can you think of a time when you did something wrong? Was it hard to confess this to your parents?
2. Did you know that God loves us so much that we can confess our sin to him and trust him to forgive us every time? Is there anything in your life that you sense God leading you to turn from?
3. Draw a road. On one end list or draw the sins you often go back to. On the other end draw Jesus. Let this be a reminder that joy and life are found in turning from our sin to worship Jesus and live in a new way.

Teach us to Pray - Luke 11:1-13

Sermon Summary: In Luke 11:1-13 Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He shows us that prayer is to be central for his followers. According to Jesus, prayer is simple yet powerful. Although prayer is simple, we often struggle to pray. Jesus, through his work in the gospel, not only teaches us to pray, but he sets us free from the enemies lies that keep us from a vibrant life of prayer.

Listen to the sermon audio here.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”(Luke 11:2-4)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 11:1-13. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - What do you find interesting or inspiring about this prayer? Do you find it hard to bring your real needs to God each day? Why or why not? In the sermon Pastor Jordan talked about why we struggle to pray…which lie from the enemy keeps you from praying— lie of self-sufficiency or lie of shame/guilt?
3. Live the Way of Jesus - What do you think would change about your day/week if you spent 15-20 minutes in prayer?

The Transfiguration - Luke 9:18-36

Sermon Summary: In this passage, we encounter the paradoxical nature of Jesus and his mission. Jesus is fully human, like us in every way and yet also fully divine. Although Jesus suffered death, he was resurrected on the 3rd day to be the firstborn of a glorious new creation. In this passage, Jesus invites us to wrestle with the paradox of his humanity and divinity, suffering and glory. Those who follow after him are called to embrace his identity and mission. We need glimpses of His glory to help us remain faithful in suffering as we wait for the redemption of all things.

Listen to the sermon audio here.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:24 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 9:18-36. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - What has shaped your expectations for your life? How would you summarize your expectations? How does Jesus invite us to see beyond this life only?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - Jesus says in verse 24, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” How do “glimpses of glory” help us embrace this teaching? What essential practices (both communally and personally) has God given us that help us cultivate this amidst our suffering? What might need to change in your life to make these practices of prayer and scripture a priority?

Kids Worship Questions

1. Can you think of something hard you have gone through in your life? How did you feel during that time?
2. Draw a picture of the Transfiguration story we looked at in Luke 9 this morning. What caught your attention in this story?
3. Why is it important to remember God knows what it’s like to be human? Why is it important to remember God is mighty in power during times of difficulty?
4. Prayer is a way we can talk to God and experience his presence. What is one difficult area of life right now that you can begin to seek God in prayer for?

Lent

On March 6th we will be entering the season of Lent. Lent is a 40 day season in the church calendar to symbolically follow Jesus into the wilderness as he begins his journey toward the cross. It is a season of fasting, prayer, & repentance. This is not a season of seeking to earn favor through these acts but instead, these disciplines help cultivate in us an awareness of the good news of the gospel, that Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Jesus is for us what we could never be on our own. We not only have an opportunity to lay aside the obvious sins of overindulgence and numbing ourselves through food & entertainment but Lent is also an opportunity to repent of the pride that tells us we are sufficient to handle & run our lives.

This year as we journey through the gospel of Luke we will specifically be looking at the suffering of Jesus as he journeys toward the cross. In his suffering, we see a savior who is not unable to sympathize with us in our weakness but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This good news frees us from any need to "stack up" or "be enough" as well as the lie that we are defined by our mistakes & failures.

I want to invite you to engage the Lenten season with hearts open to receive the grace that only God can give. We will have Lent prayer guides available at our gatherings beginning March 3rd to help you journey through each week. Our worship team recorded an album specifically for the season of Lent in 2018 & we will have those available as well as a resource for anyone who would love to use it as they walk through this season.

Lent Season Schedule:

March 6th - Ash Wednesday Prayer @ 6:00 pm
March 10-April 14th - Sunday Gatherings in the Gospel of Luke
April 19th - Good Friday Prayer Gathering @ 6:30 pm
April 21st - Easter Sunday Gathering

Lent Resources:
Lent Booklet Guide
Redeemer Lent Spotify Playlist

Seasons Volume 1:
Spotify
iTunes
YouTube

Loving Our Enemies - Luke 6:27-38

Sermon Summary: In this passage Jesus is teaching us about loving others. The main idea in the text is that the way of Jesus is the way of loving your enemy. Loving our enemies includes doing good, speaking blessing, and praying for them. Only this kind of divine love that can transform us and others. We see a vivid portrayal of this in Acts 7 which tells of the stoning of Stephen. Stephen while being stoned to death by his religious enemies prays for their forgiveness. Among Stephen’s enemies was a man named Saul who later encountered the grace of Jesus (Stephen’s prayer was answered).

Listen to the sermon audio here.
Watch the sermon video here.

Memory Verse: “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:27–28

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 6:27-38. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - What is your response to Jesus instruction to love your enemies? What objections to this do you find coming up in your own heart?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - Loving others (even our enemies) includes an attitude and action towards others of doing good, blessing (not cursing), and praying for them. What would it look like to put this into practice toward those who fit the category of enemy in your life (think about who you sense the most conflict with or anger towards)?

Kids Worship Questions:

1. Has there ever been a time when a sibling or kid at school said or did something mean to you? How did that make you feel? What did you do in response?
2. Read Luke 6:27-38. What sticks out to you in this passage? What questions do you have?
3. What might it look like for you to “love your enemies” at school or in your neighborhood? You might want to talk with your parents or pastor to get wisdom to apply this to whatever situation you are facing.
4. Who are 2-3 people in your life who you find yourself in conflict with? Spend time each day this week praying for them and asking God to give them the same grace he has given you.

The Way of Jesus- Luke 5:12-26

Sermon Summary: In this passage, Jesus challenges our typical way of thinking about ourselves, our lives, and others. He tells us that there are two ways of life— one leads to blessing and the other leads to pain. The only problem is that all of the things that we think lead to blessing, Jesus says leads to pain. What is Jesus teaching us here? He is pointing us beyond the material, into our hearts so that we might see our need for salvation.

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. (Luke 5:20-21)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 5:12-26. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - What do you find most challenging about this section of Luke’s narrative? Why is it important to understand the context and the audience? What is Jesus teaching us about material things?
3. Live the Way of Jesus - In what ways do you struggle with materialism? What does it look like for you to depend upon Jesus day by day rather than on material possessions or earthly pleasures?

The Call to Follow Jesus- Luke 5:1-11

Sermon Summary: In this sermon, we look at Jesus’ calling of his first disciples. We considered the incredible event of Jesus showing Peter he is Lord of all creation. We looked at the connection between authority and discipleship. To follow Jesus, to be his disciple, is to give him authority over all aspects of your life.

Listen to the sermon audio here.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."(Luke 5:8 ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 5:1-11. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - In what ways do you relate to Peter? Why do you think Peter was hesitant to take Jesus fishing? Are there things in your life that you are hesitant to let Jesus speak into? Why do you think Peter was willing to go back out and fish with Jesus, even though he was hesitant?
3. Live the Way of Jesus - How did seeing the power and authority of Jesus change Peter? What did it change in him? Do you trust Jesus’ power and authority in your life? Are their things in your life that you need to “leave behind on the shore” in order to follow Jesus?

The Authority of Jesus - Luke 4:22-41

Sermon Summary: After Jesus finishes teaching in this synagogue scene people are raving about his beautiful sermon. Luke says they marveled of his gracious words, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son” And he is claiming to be the anointed one? Things escalate as Jesus references stories of Elijah and Elisha where Israel is judged and blessing goes out to foreigners. Jesus escapes the mobs wrath and the story moves on to a sabbath day in Capernaum. We learn in this section of the story that Jesus is one who teaches with authority, has power over demonic forces (they obey his rebuke to leave the man), and he has authority to heal sickness (rebukes the fever in Simon’s mother-in-law). These stories show us Jesus alone has liberating power and authority for the whole of who we are. He is the authority on human thinking (mind), spirituality (spirit), and physicality (bodies).

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: “And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.” Luke 4:31-32 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 4:22-44. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
2. Getting to the Heart - What is your response to the claim that Jesus’ alone has liberating power and authority over the whole of your life? Why is his authority over all that we are good news?
3. Living the Way of Jesus - What area of your life do you feel the most tension with your thinking and Jesus thinking? What is one action step for you that might cultivate a greater awareness of your need for His authority in regards to your need for His spiritual protection and physical healing?

Kids Worship Questions:

1. Has there ever been a time when a parent told you to do something and you disagreed so much it made you angry? What about a sibling telling you what to do? How might this relate to the crowd’s reaction to Jesus in his hometown?
2. Read Luke 4:22-44. What sticks out to you in this passage? What questions do you have?
3. How does Jesus authority over all things help us to be courageous?
4. What is something in your life that you are regularly afraid of? Ask God to help you remember Jesus is with you and help you trust in Jesus protection of you.

The Good News of Jesus Announced- Luke 4:14-22

Sermon Summary: In this sermon, we look at the beginnings of Jesus’s public ministry. As he teaches in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth he makes a big announcement, declaring that he is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. In him, salvation has come to the least, the last, and the lonely.

Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
Watch the sermon video here:

Memory Verse: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read through Luke 4:14-22. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study and discussion of this text.
2. Get to the Heart - What does it mean that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 61? Do you see yourself in Isaiah’s/Jesus’s words? In what ways has he brought redemption to your life?
3. Live the Way of Jesus - Eugene Peterson says that in this passage Jesus announces himself as a “trading post”. You bring Him what you have and He will give you what he has. Are there things in your life that you need to bring to Jesus and allow him to redeem? What are they? What does it look like to surrender or repent?