Evergreen Christian Community

Series Theme: We Rise and Build as we Fall on our Knees and PrayJames 4:10Big Idea: God WANTS to be the Hero in your story.Overview of the Books of Ezra & Nehemiah:Ezra 1-6 Ezra 7-10 Nehemiah 1-7 Nehemiah 8-13Zerubbabel Ezra          NehemiahTemple Torah/Law      Walls Spiritual RenewalKing Cyrus King Artaxerxes   King ArtaxerxesNehemiah 1:1-11 It’s easy to make Nehemiah the heroHe should be commended - He asks about His people - He is not self-absorbed - He leads the rebuilding of the Wall in 52 daysBUT REALLY God is the Hero1. God can work through you1 Samuel 16:7 God Uses the Available and ActionableColossians 3:172. God can work in and through your despairNehemiah 1:4Prayer needs to be our Reflex ResponseOur First Response - Not Our Last ResortNehemiah 1:6Confession - “homologeo”‘To speak’ & ‘The same’Confession is agreeing with GodZechariah 2:3-53. God can be trustedJeremiah 17:7-8• To keep His promises• To watch over His people• To forgive a repentant and humble heart RESPONSE• Don’t Live in Despair• Le

Romans 10:1-17Big Idea: A gospel of depth leads to declaration.1. The Good NewsIsaiah 52:7Romans 1:2-7 (The Message Translation)The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God’s Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!Romans 10:14-15 2 Corinthians 5:20 2. The CallRomans 10: 10-13 Acts 4:12Matthew 25:44-463. The ResponseActs 2:42 Matthew 28:19-20 19 RESPONSE• Know the good news • Understand the consequence • Respond! DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passage: Mark 16:15, John 3:16, James 1:22► 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

Mark 2:1-12Big Idea: Individuals in your traffic pattern depend on you to introduce them to Jesus.Context• There was an understanding that sickness was caused by sin.John 9:1-3• Jesus preached the wordMark 1:14–15Who are you in the story?1. The Crowd“Stop trying to change non-believers’ behaviors towards your morals” - Pastor Ryan “New Dad” O’Neill2. The Faithful1 Corinthians 12:12–143. The Broken4. The Savior“Jesus does not say, ‘See what you did to me,’ but ‘See what I did for you.’ His wounds are letters of love to you written by the finger of God. They are the Gospels no Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John could ever write. Read them and rejoice, for they are the scars of your salvation, your letter of pardon, trophies of heaven’s victory.” - Chad BirdResponse• Remember who you were before Jesus.• Be willing to be uncomfortable- God conversations that lead to Gospel conversations• Believe that God can:- Heal- Change hearts and lives- Forgive- Use you, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE, to glorify Him and make Him knownDISCOVE

Where you call home matters.1 Peter 2:11Jeremiah 29:4-14Big Idea: Your community is a gift from God, treat it as such.1. Pray for the Transformation of your CommunityJeremiah 29:7 You can love where you live, but can you love where you left?Matthew 5:43-442. Embrace God's TruthJeremiah 29:8-9What grounds you, grows you.“A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to a person that isn't.” - Charles SpurgeonEphesians 4:14-153. Trust that God's in ControlJeremiah 29:11“There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.” - Corrie Ten BoomJohn 17:14-15RESPONSELook to what God is calling you TO, not what you desire to move FROM.• Is your hope in God, or what He can provide?• What grounds you? - Where do you experience disappointment?• Seek purpose in your position.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passage: John 17:15-23► 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

Esther 4:12-16Big Idea: You have a “such a time as this” role in your community.1. Don’t ignore/suppress realityIf you are not moved by anythingYou are most likely distracted by everythingLuke 4:182. Find Strength in the LordIsaiah 40:313. Pursue the Wisdom & Favor from the Lord2 Chronicles 20:12Isaiah 58:6-9Proverbs 19:2James 1:54. Do something!Esther 4:16RESPONSE• Acknowledge your own “such a time as this”• Pray to be moved by the needs of others - spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, etc.• Ask God what steps to take - Expect an answer• Just Do IT! - Be obedientDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passage: Esther 6► 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 passa

Big Idea: The church pursues full purpose when it extends past its property.Luke 19:1-101. SeeMark 12:29-312. SeekRomans 10:14-153. Sacrifice1 John 2:64. SaveActs 4:12Romans 10:13RESPONSE• Know Your Why- Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.• Be Bold- Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.• Tell Your StoryDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passage: Luke 15:3-7► 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?

Big Idea: God has a mission for usMatthew 28:16-201. The discipleship journey starts with the Gospel2. God asks us to join Him on this mission2 Corinthians 5:18-213. We make disciples when we live out the G.O. principleG - Intimacy with GodO - Investing in othersMark 5:19Matthew 5:14-16A - AdmitB - BelieveC - Choose Response• Look for people in your traffic pattern who are far from God • Pray for opportunities to have God conversations and Gospel conversations• Live in community and grow as disciples DISCOVERY 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 pe

Acts 2:42-47You that are members of the church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us. - C. H. SpurgeonBig Idea: The closest we get to “on earth as it is in Heaven” is when His people are dedicated to His Word and each other. 1. The Church is where God Transforms us• All People - Nothing matters more to God than people.• Process - Transformation is not a one-time event.• Authentically Safe Community - A safe place to process the dangerous gospel of Jesus Christ.• Audacious Humility - Confidence in God's desire and ability to use us powerfully in spite of our brokenness.• Health - We believe "healthy" is the most important adjective and should

Matthew 18:21-35BIG IDEA: Forgiveness is hard, yet freeing.“Stop beating yourself up because of your past bad decisions. No one's past is spotless. Learn from your past and start over. God's mercies are endless." -Terraine Francois1. Forgiveness is a PriorityEphesians 4:31-32Everyone has the right to be bitter, but none of us can afford to be bitter.Matthew 6:122. With Forgiveness Comes FreedomMatthew 6:14-15“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” - Corrie Ten Boom“When you initially forgive, it is like letting go of a hot iron. There is initial pain and the scars will show, but you can start living again.” - Stephen RichardsWant freedom from your feelings?Pray for your offenders. 3. Restoration is a process, forgiveness is NOT.“When forgiveness is seen as a work in progress, it seldom becomes a work in practice.” - Nancy Leigh DeMossThere are no boundaries to forgiveness.There are boundaries to relationships.Response:• Allow yourself to be he

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” - Brennan ManningWhat cancer is to the body, hypocrisy is to the church.Big Idea: Living authentically means committing to transparency that reflects God's truth and love.Romans 2:1-161. Love the sinner, Hate YOUR sin Romans 2:1Matthew 23:3-4Matthew 23:13“Of all bad men, religious bad men are the worst.” - C.S. Lewis1 Corinthians 13:1-32. You’re a terrible judge! Romans 2:2John 7:243. Live Transparently Romans 2:16Luke 12:1-3“We cannot pray in love and live in hate and still think we are worshiping God.” - A.W. TozerResponse:• Search your own heart.• Pursue Jesus, not better behavior.• Embrace Truth.DISCOVERY 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

Big Idea: The Church: Ordained by God, messed up by man, still God’s plan.Matthew 16:13-181 - The Church is different from any other organization or organism.The Church originated with Christ."Church" comes from the word "ekklesia" meaning “Called out ones”Christ is The Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22)Christ is Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)The Church has both eternal & present purposesMatthew 28:19-20Acts 2:42-452 - The Church has its flaws and it is YOU and METhe Church is divinely ordained & humanly flawed3 - God calls us to ALL PLAY• Fight the urge to be selfish and only consume• Fight the urge to be safe and hold back“There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishn

Lamentations 5Big Idea: As anointed people, we still fall to the pitfalls of sin.1. Anointed, and still afflictedLamentations 4:20Psalm 20:6Psalm 28:81 John 2:20Romans 8:112 Corinthians 1:21-222. History repeats, His story redeemsLamentations 5:19-22Proverbs 26:11Proverbs 16:63. Hidden hopeJohn 10:28John 5:242 Chronicles 7:14Lamentations 3:22-26Psalm 30:5Response: 1. Live into your anointing 2. Live into the proper body 3. Live into hopeDISCOVERY 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…” stat

BIG IDEA: No matter our circumstances, we can, in Christ, live with hopeLamentations 3:25-33, 40-421. God wants us to Live with Hope in Him Psalm 130:1-2Depths without hope can lead to despairDepths with Jesus can lead to hope1 Thessalonians 4:13-18Life is:Never so good - it couldn’t be betterNever so bad - it couldn’t be worse3 Quick Steps to Help Nurture Hope• Reflect on the goodness of God• Limit your junk food intake • IV yourself with the promises of God  2. God wants us to seek Him with purposeMay require admittance of guilt & repentancePsalm 139:23-24May require some Spiritual Disciplines3. God wants us to Worship with Passion (v41)Lamentations 3:22-23Response:• Know that where Jesus is, there is hope. • Commit to a lifestyle of Worship.DISCOVERY 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 fiv

Lamentations 3:22-26Big Idea: Through honest lament and unwavering trust, we find hope in the midst of suffering.The pain and suffering of the individual does not go unnoticed by God.1. Acknowledge Your Pain Lamentations 3:1-3Lamentations 3:17-182. Talk Yourself into It Lamentations 3:21Jeremiah 17:9-10We move in the direction of our predominant thoughts.Lamentations 3:22-23"Great is Your faithfulness" was a declaration not based on what he felt; it was based on what he knew."Ten thousand mercies are forgotten in the presence of a single trifling moment."  - C. H. Mackintosh 3. Cultivate a Willingness to Wait Lamentations 3:24-26There are three answers to prayer God always gives: Yes, No, Not Yet.Response:• Do not disassociate from lament. • Hold fast to the truth. • Wait upon the Lord. DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Study passage: 1 Peter 5:10-11► 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

Big Idea: God’s judgment of sin becomes the seedbed of our hope.Lamentations 2:10-191. Sin has consequences2 Kings 21:1-2, 9Romans 6:232. Do not be led astrayJeremiah 14:13-14Galatians 5:19-213. Be broken for the brokenLamentations 2:11-134. Pour yourself out to God and change your mindRomans 7:21-25Romans 8:1-2Lamentations 3:22-26Response• Confess your sin to God and resolve to walk in new life with Jesus• Receive God’s love and forgiveness DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Study passage: Psalm 63:1–5► 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 fo

Big Idea: Lament Introduces Purpose out of Pain.1. WHAT’S HAPPENING?Lamentations 1:1-11Hebrews 5:72. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Colossians 3:17“We live in a world that is beyond our control, and life is in a constant flux of change. So we have a decision to make: keep trying to control a storm that is not going to go away or start learning how to live within the rain.” - Glenn Pemberton, Hurting with GodJames 1:2Psalm 88:1-23. GOD PROMISES, AND GOD REDEEMS Jeremiah 7:3-11Jeremiah 6:10Genesis 3:15Response: • There is participation in the pain.• Hold on to hope • Find compassion in the constant God DISCOVERY 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, wh

If you don’t first live in God’s revealed will, then you can't possibly hope to understand His concealed will.2 Corinthians 5:16-21Big Idea: God’s will cannot be discovered by seeking IT, it unfolds as you seek HIM.Fix Your Eyes ForwardGalatians 5:1 Live for the name on the front"Play for the name on the front of the shirt and they will remember the name on the back." - Tony AdamsProverbs 3:5-6Proverbs 16:3Be ReconciledPsalms 37:4“Love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.”  - Augustine of HippoColossians 3:17If God has put a desire in your heart, and it can be done in the name of Jesus Christ then do it!Response:• Freedom is found in God’s will for your life.• Get your eyes off of you, and on to Jesus.• Chase what God desires.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passage: Matthew 6:33► 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

Romans 11:33-36Big Idea: We discern God’s will when we submit our whole being before Him as an offering. Romans 12Be a people of love and mercyRomans 12:• “Let love be genuine” (v 9)• “Contribute to the needs of the saints” (v 13)• “Bless those who persecute you” (v 14)• “Weep with those who weep” (v 15)• “Associate with the lowly” (v 16)• “Repay no one evil for evil” (v 17)• “Never avenge yourselves” (v 19)• “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (v 20)Give all of yourself to God1 Corinthians 6:19-20Romans 6:13-14Hebrews 13:15-16Be Transformed 1 John 2:15-17“Satan devotes 168 hours a week trying to deceive you. Do you think you can maintain a renewed mind with a ten-minute glance at God’s book once a day?” - John PiperResponse:What is in your life that you need to leave behind when you walk out of here today?DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Passage: Psalms 1:1-6► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with la

John 20:1-18Big Idea: Redemption began and is fulfilled in the Garden.John 20:30-31Angels and the EntranceJohn 20:11-12Genesis 3:23-24John 20:1"The tomb that sealed the body of Jesus became the womb of our salvation." -Max Lucado Face-to-face with the GardenerJohn 20:15Genesis 3:8-9Genesis 2:22-23"Easter tells us that every ending is a new beginning." - Anne Graham Lotz Folded and FinishedJohn 20:6-7Hebrews 1:8-12"The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine surprise." - Philip Yancey John 20:16-181 Corinthians 15:20-22“The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom. . . . It is the decisive event demonstrating that God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.” - N.T. Wright Response:• Your story is redeemable.• Live in the finished work of Christ. • Baptism - connection to the empty grave.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Passage: 1 Cor

Big Idea: God’s great plan for salvation provokes a response in all of us.Triumphal EntryMatthew 21:1-11The TempleEzekiel 10:18-19Ezekiel 43:1-5Messiah from the line of David1 Kings 1:32-352 Samuel 7:11-13Zechariah 9:9Palm Branches (Independence) John 12:12-15Hosanna (Save, we pray)Matthew 21:9Psalm 118:22-26Who are you becoming in this story? Religious LeadersMatthew 23:1-7“We tend to draw conservative, buttoned-down, moralistic people. The licentious and liberated or the broken and marginal avoid church. That can only mean one thing. If the preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did.” - Tim KellerThe CrowdJohn 6:60,66Jesus PeopleGalatians 5:22-26Response:Choose to follow JesusSlow down and journey with Christ during Holy Week:• Holy Monday: Jesus clears the Temple.Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17• Holy Tuesday: Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives