Each year, many of us count the days until Christmas. We have advent calendars and busy schedules filled with special activities. But then, after Christmas is over, we may find ourselves sad and disappointed. In reality, Christmas isn’t an end, but a BEGINNING! Everything changed because of Christmas and God is changing those who come to Him still today!
NEXT STEPS:
- My plans have changed and I am facing unexpected joy, but I will rejoice!
- My plans have changed and I am facing unexpected sorrow, but I will trust Him!
- Jesus, I ask that You let me know You are near to me, whatever the circumstance.
Join us this week as Pastor Lance talks about what you can expect from God on life’s unpredictable journeys.
NEXT STEPS:
-I will memorize James 1:2-4.
-I will begin to replace my “Why” for “What.”
Join us this week as Pastor Rick openly talks about the stress of the holiday season and how God has an answer for you.
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This week we kicked off a new series, Picture Perfect Christmas, and talked about unfulfilled expectations and desires. Pastor Rick walks us through the Gospel of Luke’s account of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and how God confronted their disappointments.
NEXT STEPS:
• This week, I will reflect on the unfulfilled expectations in my life that have caused me to doubt God’s plan in my life.
• Each day this week, I will pray, asking God to use me as a culture carrier of life this holiday season.
• I will invite someone to one of the upcoming Christmas services at Christ Place Church.
Join us as Guest Speaker, Jeff Haase, talks about the sacrifice a harvest requires.
Join us this week as pastor Lance talks about Spiritual Warfare.
Join us this week as we Pastor Rick shares his heart for the local church and our opportunity to share the Good News.
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Join us this week as Pastor Rick wades into the culture of offense and how we can keep a root of bitterness from poisoning our life.
NEXT STEPS:
• Today, I’m asking God to help me give grace, even as I receive His grace.
• This week, I will memorize Hebrews 12:15 and/or Colossians 3:13.
• I choose to forgive the following person(s):
Join us this week as Pastor Rick dives into Jesus’ discussion with Martha in the gospel of Luke. What does it look like to be fully present?
NEXT STEPS:
• Today, I am asking God to help me be fully present with Him first.
• This week, I will take time to reflect on the three questions from the message today: Where are my priorities? What priority is needed? Where am I now?
• This week, I need to practice being fully present in the following relationship(s):
Join us for the second week of our #relationshipgoals series, as guest speaker, Pastor Walt Hooker talks about sex in the context of a healthy, biblical marriage!
NEXT STEPS:
• If you are single, each day for the next five days, write down one reason why you choose to abstain from sexual activities.
• Discuss with your mate, or if single, a friend: “Is your intimate life both physically and spiritually fulfilling?”
• Married couples - What adjustments can you make in your daily routine to steer your lovemaking in a “holy” direction? How can you further fulfill each other’s physical needs?
• I will sign up for a marriage Connect Group at www.christplace.church/connect.
Join us this week as Pastor Rick talks about working ON our relationships while being IN them. There are dynamics at play that create tension in each of our relationships. Furthermore, there are blind-spots that keep us stuck in a dysfunctional relationship loop of behaviors and attitudes. Learn what God’s word has to say about this subject.
NEXT STEPS:
• This week, I will memorize and pray Psalms 139:23-24 (NLT), “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
• I am submitting my relationship goals to God and asking Him to start with me.
• I need to own my responsibility, and repent before God, of how I’ve sinned against him in the following relationship: _______________________________.
Join us this week as Pastor Rick talks about what living a generous life actually looks like. Is it more than a feeling, and how do we know if we are growing in our generosity?
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Join us this week as pastor Johnathan talks about the biblical importance of serving together!
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This week Pastor Rick talks about how we can help each other grow in our relationship with Christ. You don’t have to have excelled in school to excel as a student of Christ.
NEXT STEPS:
• Today, I will find someone at church to encourage.
• This week, I will study or use Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer (S.O.A.P.) on a passage of Scripture from our study guide with at least one other person.
• This week, I will spend daily time praying for people in my Connect Group and/or in our church who are in need.
Join us this week as Pastor Rick introduces the idea to us that we are each Relational Farmers. Every day, we either sow good seed or bad seed into our relationships.
NEXT STEPS:
• Today, I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me be aware of my flesh, and seize opportunities to sow good seeds in my relationships.
• This week, I will memorize Galatians 6:7-10.
• I will invite at least one person to join me in my Connect Group and/or at church.
Church! It elicits all kinds of thoughts. To some it is a building on a corner. To others it speaks of extreme boredom, a blast from our past. We may feel judged by the church or excluded by the church but what if, something amazing happened and we were to be LOVED by God’s church. Jesus didn’t come to build an exclusive club called the church but He gave His life for a church that would be a lifesaving station for people who are drowning in despair. What if the church were to fulfill His intended plan?
NEXT STEPS:
- This week, I will ask God to open my eyes for opportunities to SHINE.
- This week, I will think through what God has done for me so I can share it with others.
- I believe in what God is doing at Christ Place, and will invite others to join me here.
Join us this week as we Pastor Rick introduces our new series, Better Together. What is the significance of having the right people in your life and why do we need each other?
NEXT STEPS:
- Today, I will sign up for a Connect Group at www.christplace.church/connect.
- This week, I will memorize Hebrews 10:24-25.
- Tomorrow I will begin to use Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer (S.O.A.P.) on the verses given in our Study Guide.
Join us this week as we close out our study in the book of Mark and Pastor Rick challenges us to be on mission.
NEXT STEPS
• Each day this week I will meditate on the call, command, and empowerment of the Gospel.
• This week, I will share my faith with at least one person.
• Today, I will sign up for a Connect Group at www.christplace.church/connect.
Join us this week as we close out our study in the book of Mark and Pastor Rick challenges us to experience a surprising hope and faith-filled life.
NEXT STEPS:
• I’m asking God to help me embrace a faith-filled life.
• This week, I will memorize 1 Corinthians 2:9.
• Today, I will sign up for a Connect Group at www.christplace.church/connect.
Join us as we take a closer look at the lessons we can learn from the cross.
NEXT STEPS:
- This week, I will reflect on ways I can allow the Word of God to inform my perspective on my circumstances.
- I will use Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer (S.O.A.P.) in Psalm 22.
God’s promises are great! But sometimes our idea of realizing those promises clashes with God’s. This message considers the conflict that resides when the Kingdom of Heaven clashes with the Kingdom of Man. Which kingdom are you pursuing?
Many of us try to make a difference in our world using a variety of methods. We may be ambassadors for some religion thinking that the answer can be found there. At times we may think we need to march in outrage resisting the power brokers who bring trouble to our world. Some even turn to violence. We may depend on our group of friends to support us and give us a reason for living. At times we turn to political influence in order to restore hope and purpose to our world. But in time we find that only Jesus brings real and lasting hope.
Life is filled with attacks. Attacks on our family, attacks on our finances, attacks on our health, or attacks on our kids. We can begin to feel overwhelmed with all the circumstances. We can begin to believe that we just… can’t… win. We all feel like an overwhelmed underdog from time to time. But when the odds are against you, God is for you!
Join us as Guest Speaker, Pastor Josh Mayo, talks about feeling overwhelmed and defeated, and focuses on the life of King Hezekiah in the Old Testament.
Join us as Guest Speaker, Jeff Grenell, talks about if Job had a Twitter... and what that really means.