Evergreen Christian Community

Philippians 4:4-13Big Idea: Life carries worry, but Jesus carries peace. 1. Worry Won’t Win Philippians 4:4-7“You cannot stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair” - Martin LutherJeremiah 23:23-24Proverbs 4:23Matthew 22:37-402. Invest in the Whatevers Philippians 4:8-9Psalm 139:23-24Matthew 28:19-203. God Doesn’t Like Secrets Philippians 4:10-13Matthew 19:26Romans 8:312 Timothy 2:20-21Response: • Trust the Lord to grant peace in place of fear. • Put the ‘whatevers’ to action • Choose contentment - 1 Thessalonians 5:18DISCOVERY 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

Big Idea: We find joy in Christ as we grow in spiritual maturityPhilippians 3:15-4:1Growth in Christ is a natural part of our maturityPhilippians 3:9-141 Corinthians 13:9–11Our model at Evergreen for growth:• Powerful Worship Gatherings • Purposeful Relationships• Spiritual Disciplines• Meaningful Service"I think if you had asked Jesus about His spiritual life, He would have looked at you very confused. My guess is He would have asked, “What do you mean by my spiritual life? All of my life is spiritual.” Jesus didn’t buy into sacred/secular thinking. To Him, life is a seamless, integrated, holistic experience where the sacred is all around us. And because everything is spiritual, everything matters to God." - John Mark ComerHave a heart for the lostRomans 3:10-12“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertio

Philippians 3:1-14Big Idea: In pursuit of Christ, abandon false confidence and press on toward the prize of knowing Jesus.1. “Beware of Dog”Philippians 3:2Romans 2:28-29Reality with God is not a matter of outward conformity to religious rituals, but rather of obedience that results from God changing your heart.2. Everything, to nothing, back to everythingPhilippians 3:8Philippians 3:4-6 Matthew 13:44-4699% obedience is still disobedience. Christ calls us to give up EVERYTHING in pursuit of Him.Matthew 16:263. Pressing Toward the GoalPhilippians 3:13-14“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'" - Billy GrahamResponse: • Renew Commitment: Forsake false confidence and place full trust in Christ alone.• Seek Intimacy: Strive to deepen your relationship with Christ.• Press On: With faith and perseverance, press forward toward the goal, leaving behind distractions and focusing

Philippians 2:1-18Big Idea: Joy is lived out as we imitate ChristHow is joy lived out?1 - Pursue unity in the Body Strife - squelches the anointingUnity - promotes the anointing Our behaviors are driven by our attitudes.2 - Having the mindset of Christ Philippians 2:10-113 - Do everything without grumblingNumbers 11:14 - Choose to rejoicePhilippians 2:17-18Response:• Make things right • Center your life on Christ • Embrace & choose JoyDISCOVERY 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…” statem

“Reacting is an instinctive, emotional response to a situation. It's often impulsive and can be influenced by our past experiences or fears. On the other hand, responding is a thoughtful and deliberate action. It involves considering the situation, weighing the options, and making a conscious decision.” - Laura NoelPhilippians 1:12-18Big Idea: The Gospel turns victims into victors.• See Adversity as Opportunity Philippians 1:12-14"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." - Corrie ten BoomJames 1:2-3The world is not against you, it’s against everyone! And the Gospel is for everyone.• Correct Your Lens Philippians 1:15-18“The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.”• Live on PurposePhilippians 1:27"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on ma

Philippians 1:3-11Big Idea: Joy is offered in the present, because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 1. Fellowship Over Friendship 2 Corinthians 6:14-162 Corinthians 12:9James 1:2-32. Joining in Spreading the Gospel Psalm 96:3Mark 16:15“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” -St. Francis AssisiPsalm 73:263. Through Daily Holy Spirit Influence 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Romans 8:9Response:• Get Connected. • Partner with the Holy Spirit.• Accept Joy.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Study passages: Ephesians 1:1-2; Acts 16“Surely we serve a good Master, who makes peace and joy so essential to our religion.” -Matthew Henry► 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. Base

Acts 8:1-4Galatians 1:13-14Philippians 3:4-6Big Idea: A relationship with Jesus is the greatest treasure you will ever findActs 9:1-19Religion is always inferior compared to a relationship with Jesus2 Corinthians 2:4-7Jesus is our treasure2 Timothy 4:6-8Response• Let go of the things that hold you back from pursuing Jesus• Seek Jesus as your greatest treasureKeep Your Eyes on Jesus Devotional:Looking for a scripture reading plan for the year, or hoping to add a devotional to your routine? We will be going through the Upside Down Kingdom series as an exploration of our theme for the year! If you’d like to join us, visit evergreenpnw.com/teaching to get started.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

Acts 6:1-6 Acts 6:8-10Acts 7:54-60Big Idea: Keeping our Eyes on Jesus allows us to live a Spirit-filled life that is impossible on our own.• The Spirit’s filling makes the ordinary extraordinaryActs 7:54-56Hebrews 12:2-3• The Spirit’s filling makes a profound impact on those around youActs 7:57-58Acts 8:11 Timothy 1:13-14"Our faithfulness is a living sermon, a testimony that speaks louder than words, influencing hearts in ways we may never fully comprehend." - Elisabeth Elliot• The Spirit’s filling allows you to forgive like ChristActs 7:59-60Colossians 3:13Matthew 5:44Response: • The impact on those around you may not be realized in your lifetime.• In life’s most painful moments, allow your response to mirror Jesus.• Forgiveness is not just what we do, it’s who we are.Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Devotional:Looking for a scripture reading plan for the year, or hoping to add a devotional to your routine? We will be going through the Upside Down Kingdom series as an exploration of our theme for the year! If you’d l

Luke 1:26-38• Luke is setting an Old Testament theme in chapter one• Gabriel is a long-awaited messenger• No word from God will ever fail!• Mary is the Lord’s ServantBig Idea: Grace changes the focus from ourselves to JesusGod’s Gift is not given on our own merit Ephesians 2:8Understanding the cost of grace should move us to worship Luke 1:46-55God’s Grace invites us to participate in what He is already doingJohn 2:1-5Response• Receive His Grace• Worship Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."• Participate in what He is doing Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Devotional:Looking for a scripture reading plan for the year, or hoping to add a devotional to your routine? We will be going through the Upside Down Kingdom series as an exploration of our theme for the year! If you’d like to join us, visit evergreenpnw.com/teaching to get started.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► Passage: Ephesians 2:1-9 ► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. H

John 14:1-7Big Idea: The Way is revealed to us as we keep our eyes on Jesus 1. Keeping your eyes on Jesus means curious questioning “The reflective Christian is one who questions what she believes while continuing to believe what she is questioning” - Roger OlsenJames 1:5-6John 15:7 2. Keeping your eyes on Jesus means communicating with your ears open.Romans 10:17Ephesians 5:15-173. Keeping your eyes on Jesus means being involved in communityHebrews 10:24-25"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - MLK Jr.Response: • Jesus is the Way. • Jesus meets us where we’re at.• What Christ has revealed is meant to be reproduced.Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Devotional:Looking for a scripture reading plan for the year, or hoping to add a devotional to your routine? We will be going through the Upside Down Kingdom series as an exploration of our theme for the year! If you’d like to join us, visit evergreenpnw.com/teaching to get started.DISCOVERY BIBLE ST

Hebrews 12:1-2John 21:1-19Big Idea: Keep your eyes on Jesus, the one who has redeemed you.Context • Peter once again got out of the boat to meet Jesus• Peter’s denial is recorded in all four gospels (ouch). • Jesus performed miracles, provided for his people, served, and restored. • The three questions about Peter’s love for Jesus are certainly tied to Peter’s three denials.Jesus loves you just as you are AND loves you too much to leave you that way1 Peter 1:18-21Our obedience to Jesus is the overflow of a heart and life focused on HimMatthew 22:37“There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do little things.” - D.L. MoodyResponse• Allow time in your day to focus on Jesus, and allow him to confront you with the truth about your life. (He loves you just as you are AND loves you too much to leave you that way).• LOVE your Oikos• Commit this year to keeping your eyes on Jesus“I am no longer my own, but thine.Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou

Psalm 77:11-14Big Idea: Remembering what God has done positions us for faith for the future.1. Extravagant Blessing: The Lord has blessed usJoshua 4:1-7We remember that God blesses people, He has blessed us, and we are able to pay that blessing forward.2. Deliverance: The Lord has bought us, rescued us, and delivered us1 Samuel 7:5-123. Testimony: The Power When We Share God’s Transformational PowerRevelation 12:11Response:• Gratitude: Stop and give thanks for what God has done FOR you and THROUGH you• Establish: create YOUR marker of remembrance• Step Out: Ask God to direct you for the year ahead–serving, giving, partneringDISCOVERY 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 abo

John 1:9-1Isaiah 7:14Big Idea: Emmanuel, God With Us, ultimately has come for our transformation.1. Jesus is with youEmmanuel - “God with us”Matthew 1:20-23We are never alone. We are never stranded. We are never abandoned.2. Jesus understandsHebrews 4:14-16Embrace God’s kindness. Receive His grace. God knows you…and still loves you.3. Jesus Changes EverythingJohn 1:12-13Jesus came…to change you, change me, and give us the freedom to experience real, pure, unconditional love.Let Jesus into your life. Embrace the conviction of the Holy Spirit and allow Jesus to change your life…today.RESPONSE: Find a moment and meditate on Emmanuel: God is with you, Jesus understands you, and He is here to save, change, and heal you.Additional Verses:Deuteronomy 31:6Deuteronomy 31:8Joshua 1:5Joshua 1:91 Chronicles 28:20Psalm 94:14Isaiah 41:10Matthew 28:19-20Psalm 27:10DISCOVERY 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” stateme

Big Idea: Jesus is the hope of the world.Luke 2:4-7Luke presents Jesus as the savior of the world.Jesus came for the oppressed and outcast.Luke 4:14-20Response• Look: Look at the manger and see that Jesus came for the world• See: See that you are deserving of His love• Open: Open your heart to the hope of Jesus • Share: Share the hope of Jesus with those around youDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's verse: Isaiah 15:1-10► 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 abou

“It is a remarkable fact that, among the variations in the order in which the Gospels appear in early lists and texts, the one constant factor is that Matthew always comes first.” - R. T.  FranceMatthew's gospel contains more references to the Old Testament than any other biography of Jesus with a laser-focus on one key theme: Jesus is King.Matthew 2:1-12Big Idea: Knowing Jesus' Identity as King allows us to recognize Him in our lives.• Magi as “King Makers”Daniel 2:48Matthew 2:1-2“Though many kings of the Jews had been born and died, none of them did the Magi seek to adore.” - Saint AugustineMatthew 2:3Matthew 2:11• Recognizing the Shepherd KingJohn 1:111 Samuel 8:6-7Ezekiel 37:242 Samuel 5:2​​Prophets called out other kings for not being shepherds.Nahum 3:18• Jesus as the Shepherd-KingPsalm 23A shepherd implies the authority to lead and the strength to protect.John 10:11Luke 15:1-7Response:• Recognize Jesus for the King He is, instead of the King you want him to be.• Put your faith in the Good Shepherd.• Li

Mark 1:1-8Big Idea: The Good news comes in the unlikeliest places.Good NewsHebrew:Bisser [bi-sair]. Verb—good newsBesorah. Noun—the good news givenGreek:Euangelion— Eu (good) and angelion (news)Luke 2:8-141. Anticipation: The good news was predictedMalachi 3:1Challenges without hope lead to despair. Challenges with anticipation lead to joy.Isaiah 40:9-112. Desperation: The good news was needed.Isaiah 61:1-3“At no point since 2005 have a majority of Americans said the country was on the right track, according to Gallup. Whether the economy is growing or shrinking, whether the president is a Democrat or Republican, most Americans believe that we have lost our way.”  Ours Was the Shining Future, David Leonhardt 3. Deliverance: the Good News brought freedom.Isaiah 52:7-9Mark 1:14-15“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of

2 Corinthians 5:17-21Big Idea: We are chosen to carry the message of God’s hope and love to our world.1. Be LightMatthew 5:15-16• Let your message matter more than your opinion• Let your message matter more than your image• Let your message match your actions• Be a light IN the world 1 Peter 2:12 (The Message)“Sometimes we make too much of our work, thinking we have to control the outcome. We simply have the opportunity to love a human God created.” - MaryKate Morse.   2. Be a BridgeActs 17: 24-28“The church is not a place into which people escape from the world, but it is God's bridgehead into the world. Christians are called to live as signposts to the new creation, as the bridge of the Messiah.” - Tom Wright3. Speak the message2 Corinthians 4: 5-61 Timothy 4:102 Cor 5:14-15“The world needs some good sermon illustrations. That is, we need more people whose lives prove the reality of the Risen Christ. Before people look at Jesus, they look at His followers.” - Mike GlenResponse:1. Be reconciled to God. 2. Do

Luke 10:38-42Big Idea:  We are called to pursue intimacy with God as our #1 priority!This is NOT a call of duty - This is a call of opportunity.3 Keys to lasting intimacy:1 - Intentional Listening John 5:19-20Be intentional if you are going to be intimate.2 - Fight DistractionsWe fight distractions for the benefit of the relationship!Facts about distractions - • Distractions can worry and upset us • Distractions can cause contention & bitterness“Because what you give your attention to is the person you become. Put another way: the mind is the portal to the soul, and what you fill your mind with will shape the trajectory of your character. In the end, your life is no more than the sum of what you gave your attention to.” - John Mark Comer“What we give our mind's attention to, gets our heart's affection.” -G Connor SalterCommon Distractions:• Success (2 Timothy 2:4)• Information (Ecclesiastes 12:12)• Noise (Psalm 46:10)How does one fight distractions?• Purge the problem• Pursue the priorityMatthew 6:333 - Intim

Big Idea: As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to uniquely use our gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:12-18• Unity in Diversity1 Corinthians 12:12-14“God designed His Church to function as a harmonious orchestra, with each member playing a unique instrument, producing a beautiful symphony of faith.” - John MacArthur• Neglecting Our Divine Design1 Corinthians 12:15-18“When we neglect our unique place and purpose in the Body of Christ, we hinder the Church’s ability to fully express God’s love and truth to the world.” - Charles Stanley• Embracing Our SHAPERomans 12:6-8SHAPE: Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience. (Learn more here: https://www.evergreenpnw.com/shape)1 Corinthians 12:6“God’s call is not only to salvation but to service. Embrace your unique gifts to be a channel of God’s grace to the world.” - Rick WarrenResponse:• It is our divine calling to recognize and embrace our God-given SHAPE, for in doing so, we contribute to the unity and effectiveness of the Body of Christ. • Se

Matthew 4:18-22John 10:3-4Big Idea: The Voice of Jesus is Calling - it’s time to follow Him.1. Jesus is CallingJohn 10:27The call to follow Jesus = A call to trust. 2. Am I Responding?Luke 9:23Matthew 4:18-20• Jesus doesn’t try to convince • Jesus doesn’t give promises of what is ahead for them.• Jesus doesn’t give clear answers to what that will look like. • Jesus only says to follow…Obedience - where our faith meets realityMatthew 16:24-26What does “Follow Me” mean?• Our values morph as we follow Jesus.• Our decision-making transforms as we say yes to Jesus.• Our compass shifts direction.Response:• Develop discerning ears to hear the voice of Jesus• Establish the pattern of saying ‘yes’ to God• Prioritize showing Christ to your oikos that have yet to follow JesusDISCOVERY 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► Indi