Evergreen Christian Community

Romans 12:22 Corinthians 5:16-19Big Idea: In Christ, you are a new creation. Now embrace it and live it.Galatians 6:14-151. The Old You- Remember where God has brought you from.Ephesians 2:1-3- Let Go of your past. Philippians 3:13-142. The New You1 Peter 2:9-10 3. Embrace the new Life you’ve been given!What now?- Do not conform- Renew your mind- Reject the lies- Work through the generational patterns- Submit to the Spirit–in quietness and immersed in the Word.- Embrace the truth of who you are in Christ.• I am God’s child (see John 1:12)• I am Christ’s friend (see John 15:15)• I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him (see 1 Corinthians 6:17)• I have been bought with a price: I belong to God. (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)• I am a member of Christ’s Body (see 1 Corinthians 12:27)• I am a saint, a holy one (see Ephesians 1:1)• I have been adopted as God’s child (see Ephesians 1:5)• I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 2:18)• I have been forgiven of all my sins (see Col

Romans 12:2Big Idea: Renewing our minds is a continual but crucial process in a Christian life.1 Corinthians 2:11-16If you don’t allow God in to renew your mind, you’re not living the way you were created to live. Point 1: Guard yourself. “You are what your mind looks at.” - Tan Hwee Hwee2 Corinthians 4:42 Timothy 1:7Point 2: what’s filling you, what are you allowing to fill you?THAT'S why it’s important to be familiar with God’s word and character. Renewal comes with the transformation of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.2 Corinthians 12:9Ephesians 5:18-20Point 3: Practice the process. Philippians 4:8–9“We move in the direction of our predominant thoughts” - Jim Ladd, Earl Nightingale2 Corinthians 3:18May the mind of Christ, my Savior,Live in me from day to day,By His love and power controllingAll I do and say.May the Word of God dwell richlyIn my heart from hour to hour,So that all may see I triumphOnly through His power.May the peace of God my FatherRule my life in everything,That I may be calm to comfo

Romans 12:2Genesis 3:1-14Big Idea: God wants to take our lies and replace them with truth.We believe the lie that God’s word is not trustworthy • The truth is we are the ones who have drifted from fully trusting GodWe believe that the Bible is God’s word: We hold that the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the unique, full, and final authority on matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalms 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25“We're finite in knowledge and flawed in morality, a wise and holy God needs to guide us towards what is good and right and true.” - Paul David Trip We believe the lie that God is disappointed in us• The truth is (for those who know Him) We are His children and we do many things to please Him.• Example: Sitting here this morning is pleasing to Him…Colossians 1:10 • While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8Galatians 4:6-7“God is so bound

Romans 12:24 Areas of Relational Influence:• Parents • Family • Spouse• FriendsBig Idea: Generational patterns, whether positive or negative, have a profound impact on our lives.3 Objections to Dealing with Our Past:• Focusing on the past is bad.• I don’t need to address my past.• My past is a can of worms I am not willing to open.Exodus 20:5-6"Children who repeat the sins of their fathers evidence it by personally hating God." - Walter KaiserPoint 1: Identifying Generational Patterns• Single greatest influence on who you are today - Family of Origin…- Your entire extended family going back 3-4 generations.• “Jesus might live in your heart, but grandpa lives in your bones.” - Pete ScazzaroPoint 2: Breaking the Chains of the Past• 2 Kings 22:1-2Point 3: Building a Christ-Centered Legacy• Proverbs 22:6• “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” - John WesleyResponse: • The hope to change your generational patterns rests in Jesus.- Romans 5:18-19• There is nothing that has been passed do

Romans 12:1–2Big Idea: The world wants to press you into its mold, but God wants to transform you from the inside out.• FormationGenesis 2:7Psalm 139:15• ConformationRomans 12:2• Transformation2 Corinthians 3:16–18Transformation happens by:a. The Gospelb. Renewing of your mindEzekiel 11:18–20Spiritual Formation: “Spiritual formation focuses on the deepening of one's relationship with God.”1. Sabbath2. Prayer3. Silence4. Scripture5. FastingResponse:• Begin by giving it all to Jesus.• Examine yourself and the pressures molding you, asking God to renew and redeem.• Share your transformation story with your oikos.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Colossians 2:6-10► 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

Matthew 16:13-20The Big Idea: The Church is entirely a work of Jesus.The most important question any human will ever answer: Who do you say Jesus is?People Love Their Church for Five Reasons:• The Pastor • The People• The Place• The Programs• The PlatformMature Christians Follow Jesus Deeper Into His Vision for the Church:Matthew 28:16-20Response:• Let us pray for ECC and this transition• Let us pray for our next Pastor• Let us celebrate the One who is ableDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Colossians 2:1-5► 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 c

James 5:13-20Big Idea: Prayer is our connection to Jesus, our source of overcoming.1. Prayer is the breath to our spiritual lungs. "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." - Martin LutherPsalm 5:1-32. Prayer anchors our humanity, and roots us in our humility.a. Prayer reveals our need…we are like everyone else.b. Prayer reveals our limits…and we can’t do it all.c. Prayer reveals our sins and weaknesses…. we need to confess to one another.“In the same way that a small child cannot draw a bad picture so a child of God cannot offer a bad prayer.” - Richard Foster3. Prayer rearranges our priorities.There is a mystery to prayer - sometimes God allows our prayer to change circumstances in this world - and sometimes it doesn’t. Nothing is guaranteed, but miracles still routinely happen. One guarantee though - we will be changed as we pray.“I really believe that it is possible for you to develop a simple life of prayer that can give you that ‘holy indifference.’ By th

Revelation 12:11James 5:7-12The Big Idea: Perseverence is an active and focused spiritual discipline.The focus that fuels our perseverance: God’s promised deliverance“Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.”  –Comte de BuffonLet’s talk about practicing patient engagement:1. Perseverence knows that God’s deliverance is coming. (V7-9)2. Perseverence knows that everyone matters to God. (V9)3. Perseverence knows that God joins us in suffering as we remain on mission. (V10)Hebrews 11:32-38“The twelve apostles were men who gave up everything for the sake of the Cross. They lost their property; they lost their freedom; they lost health and were beaten; and ultimately they lost their lives. The prophets were no different. They were imprisoned, beaten and murdered for proclaiming the word of the Lord. The churches that flourished under the apostles also were plundered and impoverished and the Bible repeatedly encourages them to endure and look ahead to the end

Revelation 12:11James 4:1-10Big Idea: Overcomers fight the right enemy with the right tactics.• Fight the FleshJames 4:1-3Acts 4:32Galatians 5:17“Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.” - John Owen• Fight WorldlinessJames 4:4-61 John 2:162 Corinthians 10:3-5• Fight the DevilJames 4:7-10"It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love." - Billy GrahamMatthew 13:24-30"Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody's business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.” - Max LucadoResponse: • Identify the enemy - flesh, world, & devil• Identify the tactic - submission & humility• B.L.E.S.S your Oikos and don’t hold so tightly to your own lifeDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Colossians 1:3-8► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week’

Revelation 12:11James 3:13-18The Big Idea: Godly wisdom is transformational for everyone involved1. The Birthmark of Wisdom is a HumilityJohn 5:442. The Two Versions of wisdoma. Ungodly wisdom – resulting in a disordered soulb. God’s wisdom - resulting in human flourishing3. The Fruit of Wisdom is a harvest of right relationshipsProverbs 3:13-18Response:• Ask God for wisdom• Commit to peacemaking• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Ephesians 3:7-13► 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. 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 usi

Revelation 12:11James 3:1-12The Big Idea: Managing your mouth requires God’s constant help.Problem #1: Presumptive authorityProblem #2: Your tongue is a very real and present danger.“You know the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I have no idea who came up with that. It’s simply not true at all. No one stays in a hospital with a broken bone forever, but the couches of counselors are dented by those who sit week after week searching for healing from hurtful words. Of the things you hate about yourself most are things others have said to you, probably when you were young and didn’t know how to handle them. Words can damage the soul.” - David McLemoreProblem #3: It all starts at the sourceMatthew 12:34Matthew 15:18Response:• Humble your heart before God• Invite the Presence of God into your heart• B.L.E.S.S. your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Matthew 6:25-34► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. H

Revelation 12:11James 2:14-26Does this disagree with the Apostle Paul?Ephesians 2:8-10The Big Idea: Faith without Incarnation is worthless.1. The Proposition (v 14-17): Dead faith cannot do a thingJames makes his point with two questions:• What good is it? • Can such faith save him?2. The Argument (v 18-25)• Works are evidence that a person has faith.• Even demons believe the Shema• When faith and deeds work together, anyone can please God3. The Concluding Statement (v 26)The body without the spirit is dead - so faith without deeds is dead.Response:• Do I have a saving faith, or a dead faith?• Let Christ live in you by His Spirit• B.L.E.S.S. Your Oikos - This is your natural field of play for deedsDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: 2 Chronicles 34:26-28► 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 q

Revelation 12:11James 2:1-13The Big Idea: Our simple command is to love people.1. Crucify your impulse to be God2. Choose what God chooses3. Live with your verdict in mindThe Conclusion of the Matter: James 2:13“Mercy triumphs over judgment.”Response:• Leave judgment to God• Choose mercy every time• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY 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 t

Revelation 12:11James 1:19-27God wired three desires into your DNA• To properly worship God • To have God’s Blessing on all that you do.• To be used by God to change somebody’s WorldThe Big Idea: To play the long game, “Listen Up, Grow Up, and Follow Up”Three Rules for Life:1. Listen Up• Prov. 10:19 NLT “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”• The worst outcome possible: “He deceives himself and his religion is worthless”2. Grow UpHebrews 12:13. Follow Up• Listening does not put you into any special favor with God - only obedience does.Psalm 1:1-3 Galatians 5:6Response:• Lean into the supernatural work of God • Listen, Grow, Obey• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15► 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 sta

Revelation 12:11We will overcome this way as well: The Blood of Jesus, the story of our obedience and life, and not loving our lives as to shrink from death.James 1:9–18Big Idea: Temptation is an opportunity to move toward God or away from God.  Two Forces on our Soul:1. Outward trials and attacks that erode our faith in God.2. Inward temptations to move away from our trust in God.Are you tempted to move toward God or away from God?Temptations become crossroads, an opportunity to press toward Jesus or toward our fleshly desires.Keys to Choosing the Road Toward Jesus:1. Reframe trials and temptationsGod cares more for your growth than your comfort.Every failure is a chance to experience God’s mercy, every temptation a chance to depend on Jesus, every trial a chance to lean into the Spirit.2. Understanding the Kingdom concept: Conception to Birth to Outcome“Jesus may be in your heart, but grandpa is in your bones.” Pete Scazzaro2 Peter 1:3God’s power is enough for us to find victory over temptations. He IS the

Revelation 12:11James 1:1-8; 12The Big Idea: Find joy in your trials because perseverance is the path.‭‭Doctrine of God: He is the generous, holy, unchanging source of good; He is sovereign and just.Doctrine of Sin: It is universal and indwelling all people, resulting in death. It expresses itself in anger, moral filth, blasphemy, discrimination, bitterness, pride, theft, and oppression.Doctrine of End Times: The day of rewards, the day when God’s Kingdom will be introduced, the day of judgment, the day of the Lord’s return.Trials are your servants2 Corinthians 12:8-10The greatest challenge in trials is the lack of wisdom.There is nothing in God that keeps Him from giving, but unbelief is a barrier.Mark 9:24 Daniel 3:17-18Matthew 26:39Revelation 2:8-11Response:• Commit to kissing your cross• Ask God for wisdom without doubting in Him• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?

The Big Idea: God has given us everything we need to be overcomers, and you are going to make it!John 16:7-15The Better Way:Better than having Jesus right next to you is having the Spirit in you!1. Never have to be Thirsty‭‭John 7:37-39John 16:82. Never have to be LostJohn 3:8‭John 16:12-133. Never have to be ConfusedJohn 16:13b-151 Corinthians 2:6-16What is holding me back?Am I Ignorant?Acts 19:1-3Am I Negligent?‭‭2 Timothy 1:6-7,14‭Am I Resistant?Acts 7:51RESPONSE:• Confess your ignorance, negligence, or resistance• Receive the Holy Spirit• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Proverbs 2:1-8► 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 pa

The Big Idea: Jesus was the most free human ever and He can take us into that same level of freedom.John 8:28-36Three Steps to Total Freedom:1. Make a Declaration of Dependence: John 15:1-82. Throw off Religious systems that create barriers rather than freedom.The Truth sets you free. It does not bind you into religious obligationsColossians 2:6-23‭‭3. Take up your cross every dayLuke 9:23-25Philippians 3:10-11‭‭Response:• Make a Declaration of Dependence• Take up your cross daily• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Mark 10:35-45► 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 an

Proverbs 18:1-4, 10, 12-13, 15-17, 19, 21, 24Exodus 20:16The Big Idea: Stop mindreading and actually talk to people• Stereotypes are thoughts.- Thoughts produce prejudices• Prejudices are feelings- Thoughts and feelings lead to Discrimination• Discrimination is an action.- Action creates culture.All of this began in Genesis 3:• I was afraid• Because I was naked• So I hidThree Skills of Relational Wisdom: Skill #1: Stop mind reading 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 Romans 12:1 Skill #2: Start Talking. Specifically, Clarify expectations.Expectations need to be validated.• Conscious• Realistic• Spoken• Agreed uponHave a DTR!B.L.E.S.S. ThemSkill #3: Forgive• Forgive them • Forgive yourself • Forgive God Mark 5:21-34 RESPONSE:• Take control of your thoughts by the power of the Holy Spirit• Have the difficult conversation• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Matthew 26:36-41► 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 “

1 Peter 2:4–10Big Idea: Community is built on God, with God, and for God.Observations from 1 Peter:Begins with the Living StoneCornerstoneThe plumbline, anchor, base from which our community is constructed.CapstoneThe top level, shielding the wall from the elements and protecting it from cracking.KeystoneThe final piece in the arch, supporting a bridge of stones across an entryway.• Every follower of Christ is also a living stone.• God is fitting us together into a beautiful place for His Spirit to reside.• To be a priesthood—representing God to the world, inviting all in.What can we learn?1. Community begins with a relational life with God—foundational Living Stone.“We don’t come to church, to be a church. We come to Christ, and then we are built up as a church. If we come to church just to be with one another, one another is all we’ll get. And it isn’t enough. Inevitably, our hearts will grow empty, and then angry. If we put community first, we will destroy community. But if we come to Christ first and subm