Evergreen Christian Community

Hebrews 6:13-201. HOPE IS AN ANCHOR FOR OUR SOULSHebrews 6:19Psalm 62:5-62. HOPE GIVES US ACCESSHebrews 6:19Hebrews 10:19-20Hebrews 7:193. HOPE GIVES US AN ADVOCATEHebrews 6:20 (NLT)20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.Hebrews 6:20 (ESV)20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Revelation 12:1-181. The WAR on peace has been WON - PEACE IS COMINGIsaiah 9:6-72. The PERSON of peace has COME - PEACE HAS COMELuke 2:11-143. The GIFT of peace has been GIVEN – PEACE LEFT BEHINDJohn 14:25-29

Luke 2:8-12Psalm 105:43Isaiah 51:11Joy comes from GodPsalm 4:7-8Psalm 16:11 (ESV)Luke 2:10 (ESV)Philippians 4:4Philippians 1:12-14, 18Nehemiah 8:10Joy is renewed and sustained by the Holy SpiritRomans 14:17Romans 15:13Galatians 5:22Luke 10:21Philippians 1:4-6Joy shines in trials1 Thessalonians 1:6Philippians 2:17-18Colossians 1:24Romans 5:3-4Hebrews 12:1-32 Corinthians 6:10

1 John 4:7-11THE SOURCE OF LOVE - We Receive1 John 4:7-81 John 4:16THE PURPOSE OF LOVE - We Become1 John 4:9-102 Corinthians 5:15THE MISSION OF LOVE - We Give.1 John 4:111 John 2:101 John 3:111 John 3:161 John 3:181 John 3:231 John 4:21Luke 7:47

Isaiah 9:6Isaiah 7:5-9Isaiah 7:13-14Isaiah 8:5-8Isaiah 8:20-22Isaiah 9:1-61. DARKNESS TO LIGHTIsaiah 9:1-2Isaiah 42:16Isaiah 60:1John 1:5John 8:122. REJECTION TO REJOICINGIsaiah 9:3Isaiah 7:20-23Isaiah 53:4-63. SLAVE TO FREEIsaiah 9:4-5Isaiah 61:1Luke 4:16-18Isaiah 9:6

2 Timothy 4:1-8Context• The drink offering was the final part of the sacrifice (Numbers 15:3-10).• Paul was near the end of his life and this was his final letter.Hebrews 12:1-2Big Idea: Hold nothing back; pursue and proclaim Christ!1. Proclaim the Gospel2 Timothy 3:16-172. Fulfill Your Ministry“What the heart most wants the mind finds reasonable, the emotions find valuable, and the will finds doable.” - Timothy Keller3. Don’t hold anything backEphesians 3:14-19RESPONSE• Keep your eyes on Jesus• Be bold in talking to others about Jesus• Get ready for the adventureDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do d

Discipleship is a long obedience in the same direction.Big Idea: In a world filled with deception and division, God’s Word equips us to live with discernment, integrity, and perseverance in our walk.2 Timothy 3:10-171. Stay Grounded in Godly ExampleHebrews 13:7We are not meant to be the end-users of the gospel but links in a chain of discipleship.2. Expect and Endure Hardship with PurposeTrials afford us a platform for showing the sufficiency of God’s grace.Matthew 5:10-123. Rely on the Power of God’s Word“The Bible was not given for our information, but for our transformation.” D.L. MoodyThe Bible is not merely to be read, but to be lived.Psalm 119:105RESPONSE• Seek Godly Relationships• Embrace the Challenge- Matthew 7:13-14• Immerse Yourself in ScriptureDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual an

1 Timothy 6:11-21Big Idea: The Fight is Real and the Cost is Worth it1. Battle Tested - Eternally Worth it“Fight the good fight” literally means“agonize the good agony”2 Timothy 4:7Romans 8:18"I would rather be in this wheelchair knowing Jesus than on my feet without him." Joni Eareckson Tada2. God can be Trusted - Riches can not1 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:9-10Proverbs 23:53. Treasures Exist in Heaven“We live in a world where we crave material things as well as fame and glory. In the grand scheme of things, these are just superficial wants and there is more to life than just those goals. Life is much bigger than that but the problem is we can be clouded into thinking that those are the only reason to live…” Geek WisdomRevelation 21:21Matthew 6:20Our time on earth is temporary, but our impact is eternal.RESPONSE• The “Agony” of this Life is Worth it! • God is Trustworthy • Invest Today for TomorrowDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. Ho

1 Timothy 4:1-51 Timothy 4:7-16 Big Idea: In order to live into the example of Christ, we need to train.The Discipline to AvoidProverbs 19:2 Proverbs 3:5-6  The Discipline to Adhere1 Timothy 4:8James 1:22“True prayer should pour out the whole soul and every inward feeling before him.”  - John Calvin The Discipline to Follow ThroughJohn 13:15Proverbs 4:20-23RESPONSE• Be encouraged 1 Timothy 4:16 • Be consistent Galatians 6:9• Be Godly 1 Peter 1:15-17

Big Idea: God calls for leaders who exemplify godly character, manage their households well, and demonstrate faithful service.1 Timothy 3:1-131 Timothy 2:122 Peter 3:161. Godly Character is the Foundation of Leadership“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” - John C. MaxwellJames 3:1"A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead but is forced into a position of leadership by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of the external situation." - A.W. Tozer2. Leadership Begins at HomeWhat one generation finds optional, the next generation will find unnecessary.The home is the training ground for leadership. Deuteronomy 6:6-73. Faithful Service is Proven in ActionPhilippians 2:5-8“Faithfulness in little things is a big thing.” - St. AugustineRESPONSE• God is looking for those who are faithful, not flawless.- “God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”• How you lead at home is far more important than how you will lead anywhere else. •

1 Timothy 1:3-11Big Idea: Your perception of truth determines your reaction to it.1. What is it?1 John 1:6 2. What do we do?2 Timothy 2:14-16 3. Why do we do it?1 Timothy 1:12-17 Titus 3:4-7 RESPONSE• Be sober minded. - 1 Peter 5:8• Live in the truth. - John 8:32- Galatians 5:22-23• Prepare yourself for the good work- 2 Timothy 2:20-21DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: 1 John 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1-3► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)5. Who are you going to tell about what you disco

Colossians 1:11-14What do we know about this Kingdom?1. THE KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLDMark 1:15John 18:34-35John 18:36Mark 10:42-452. THE KINGDOM IS OUR FIRST PURSUITMatthew 6:10Matthew 6:31-343. THE KINGDOM CHANGES HOW I BEHAVEMatthew 4:23Matthew 5:3-11

Nehemiah 13:6-9Nehemiah 13:15-22Context- The thirty-second year of Artaxerxes would have been around 433 BC and this is when Nehemiah returned to Persia and was there for some time before he requested he visit Jerusalem. His return visit was around 430 or 429 BC, and he tells us what he found in Jerusalem (vv 6-7).- Tobiah and Eliashib were somehow connected (perhaps related through a marriage). Tobiah was fiercely against the work of the wall (Neh 2:10).- Nehemiah reminded everyone the definition of not working included:  • treading wine • loading • transporting • selling grain, grapes, or figs • buying goods from foreigners.Big idea last week: We find freedom from conformity through our surrender to transformation.Big Idea: Surrender to transformation begins with divesting from the things that entangle us and resting in God.1. Divest from the things that entangle youHebrews 12:1-22. Rest in GodPsalm 91:1Psalm 37:7Matthew 11:28-30Response:• Clear out the things in your life that hinder you from fully surrend

Nehemiah 12:27-30Big Idea: We find freedom from conformity through our surrender to transformation.1. The Humility To Remember Where We Come From2 Chronicles 36:15-19 Nehemiah 13:17-18 2. The Humility To Be Honest With Where We Are Currently At3. The Humility To Accept What We Are Called To1 John 2: 6 Philippians 2:5-8Response:• Remember where you come from • Acknowledge where you’re at • Empty yourself DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: 1 John 2:15-17► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…”

Nehemiah 6:15Nehemiah 8Big Idea: Pursuing and Celebrating the Right Thing Brings Fulfillment.Spiritual Renewal - Hunger for God is greater than our hunger for the things of the world1. Temporarily Satisfied - Spiritually LackingIt doesn’t matter how well rounded you are,If it’s at the expense of being well groundedMark 8:362. Attentiveness Required - Response VoluntaryNehemiah 8:3Nehemiah 8:6When we allow the Spirit of God to work through the Word of God Spiritual Renewal takes place.3. Celebration EncouragedJohn 7:37-38Isaiah 44:3Response:• Are you building/pursuing the right thing?• Enjoy the Book - The Living Word• Celebrate God & Your Standing with HimDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: 1 Corinthians 10:11-13► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. Wha

Nehemiah 5:1-19Big Idea: Generosity is an outward expression of our love for God and others.Context- Hunger - Famine- Taxes - Slavery- Lending money with interest under these conditions was wrongExodus 22:25-27Deuteronomy 23:19-201. Generosity should be a mark of His peopleCredit Card Debt (per person) by generation:Generation Z$3,262Millennials$6,521Generation X$9,123Baby Boomers$6,642Silent Generation$3,4122. Trust God with your financesDeuteronomy 8:16-18Psalm 116:5 Psalm 130:3 1 Corinthians 16:1-23. Live a life of Generosity • ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“The dot represents this life - a mere blip on the screen in terms of eternity. The solid line represents the expanse of eternity. Life on this earth is a tiny slice of the eternal existence of Christ’s Kingdom. The immediacy of our lives, complicated greatly by our sinful tendency to look out for our interests above all others, causes us to put far too many resources in t

Nehemiah 4:15-23Big Idea: Spiritual warfare is prevalent, but we’ve been equipped to prevail.1. Be all inNehemiah 4:23Romans 8:12-14"The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still." A.W. Tozer Ephesians 6:10-122. Armor upJames 4:7 3. Work with your weaponsNehemiah 4:17 RESPONSE• Kill the flesh• Speak the Name • Lean into community - Nehemiah 4:19-20- Proverbs 24:6- Matthew 4:4DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: Psalm 199:11, Acts 19:13-16► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I

John 3:1-15Big Idea: How do you SATISFY the curiosity of your soul?1. New BirthJohn 3:32. New SpiritJohn 3:5-83. New LifeJohn 3:12-15John 7:50-52John 19:38-39DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)

Nehemiah 3:1-5Big Idea: The restorative work of God in our lives begins with acknowledging we are broken.1. Fortify the Gates“He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk” - John C. MaxwellThe devil is on the hunt for the weakest part of your wall1 Peter 5:8-9"Confession is not a weakness. It shows the power of grace in breaking down the walls of pride." - Jerry BridgesMatthew 4:1-4Matthew 3:172. Closed for Repairs2 Corinthians 4:16 Philippians 2:12-133. Unity in BuildingOpposition doesn’t just come from “enemies”."Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in. He attaches far more importance to godly intercourse than we do. Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation." - Charles SpurgeonRESPONSE• Ask God to reveal your weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-11• Make availability for ongoing work to be done. • Leave no room for complacency. "Imagine yourself as a living hou

Nehemiah 2:1-20Big Idea: Have the courage to believe what only God can do.1. The Courage to Ask“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” - Franklin D. RooseveltEzra 4:19-21Nehemiah 1:112. The Courage to Be Honest With Reality“This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” - Winston Churchill3. The Courage to Know You Cannot Do It Alone4. The Courage to Trust in GodPsalm 56:3-4Psalm 31:24RESPONSE:• Have the courage to trust in God• Have the courage to ask• Have the courage to be honest• Have to courage to not work aloneDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passage: Joshua 1:1-9► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?► Have a