Evergreen Christian Community

The Big Idea: We grow and thrive together or we do not grow much.Mark 3:31-35‭Two Things This Means to Us:1. Jesus’ vision for the church is that of a family.2. Family is the place of our deepest hurt and our deepest healing.Adult Patterns of Relationship as established in our childhood: (Attachment Theory)1. Avoidant - People cannot be trusted.2. Anxious attachment - People are consistently unreliable.  3. Scattered -I cannot trust other people or myself.4. Secure - “I can trust most people and I can trust myself.”Our discipleship to Jesus is about God, our Father, rewiring our brains and re-parenting us into the family of God.We are hurt at the deepest level by relationship and we are healed at the deepest level by relationship.RESPONSE:• Join the Family of God through Jesus• Participate in the family of God• B.L.E.S.S. Your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY - A TOOL FOR GROWING TOGETHERA DBS is a small group that meets weekly (in person or on zoom) for about 45-60 minutes. Groups typically keep meeting for a mini

Romans 12:9-21Big Idea: Honor others above yourself.Honor: (timé): a valuing, a price1 Corinthians 6:19-20How it is, we honor others within community: 1. Cultivate HumilityRomans 12:14Matthew 5:44 Philippians 2:3-4 "True honor comes from selflessness, placing the needs and interests of others above our own, and esteeming them as valuable in God's eyes." - Rick Warren2. Extend GraceRomans 12:211 Thessalonians 5:15"In a culture of contempt, our response to evil should be unwavering goodness, for it is through our actions that we can make a lasting impact." - Max Lucado​​3. Value UniquenessRomans 12:161 Corinthians 12:21-23“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” - C.S. LewisResponse:• Make honor the center of your community• Acknowledge the value in others• B.L.E.S.S. your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Galatians 5:13-15► 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?►

The Big Idea: Christian community, while difficult and terrifying, is God’s ongoing incarnation of His love.Read the 4 biographies of Jesus and it is clear that he had 2 core commitments:• Solitude with the Father• Life in Community1 John 3:11-18What is Community:Not Connection  Not ChemistryBut Koinonia: People with a shared commitment, physical proximity, and regular engagement.Matthew 10:1-4Enemies of Community:Individualism:2 Timothy 3:1-5Francois Fenelon -  “Within every person is a vain, complaining, babbler - self love. We can identify it because it always wants to entertain itself and never feels sufficiently attended to. I beg you not to listen. Self-love whispers in one ear and the love of God in the other. The Self is grasping and impulsive, whereas the love of God is peaceful and simple. When we listen to the self, we no longer hear the whispering of the Spirit.”‭‭Idealism:“He who loves his dream of community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though h

Hebrews 5:7-14The Big Idea: We become complete in God the same way Jesus did.How Jesus Was Made CompleteThe Barrier to our perfectionLearning the Jesus WayJesus was made perfect through His faith, fervency, and submission in suffering.The Barrier to our perfection is laziness. (v11)“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.‭‭” (NLT)“Concerning this we have much to say which is hard to explain, since you have become dull in your [spiritual] hearing and sluggish [even slothful in achieving spiritual insight].” (AMPC)Learning the Jesus Way:The Milk vs Meat Problem:Spiritual Adults, by constant use and practice, have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil, choose the good, and take responsibility for their actions.Hebrews 12:1-3Throw off everything that hinders, and sin that entanglesRun with perseverance our own raceFocus on Jesus Response:• Accept responsibility for your spiritual growth• Crea

Philippians 4:4-13The Big Idea: The antidote for anxiety is the Presence of God.The Call:Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” - Charles Spurgeon1 Peter 5:7 The Cadence:• Rejoice in the Lord • Present your requests to God• Get your mind focused - “Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” - Arthur Somersault Roche• Actually Practice your faith• Learn the Secret of Contentment - “One of the best anti-anxiety medications available is generosity. Helping others reduces stress by helping us feel valued and capable. Talking through someone else’s problems can give us wisdom for our own challenges - and motivates us to follow through.” - Adam GrantThe Key to it All: The Lord is near!Response:• Cast your anxiety on Him• Practice your faith eve

James 5:13-16What if the thing that leads to our greatest security in life is not building walls barriers, but rather building a connection?Big Idea: The greatest peace we can experience is by living in authentic connection. Authenticity with God"Our relationship with God is the foundation of our entire lives. It affects how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we see the world." - Charles StanleyGenesis 3:6-10• “made coverings for themselves.”• “and they hid from the Lord God” • “I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”James 5:13Psalm 139:23“Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences.” - Daring Greatly, Brene BrownAuthenticity with OurselvesJames 1:6-8Romans 8:1-22 Corinthians 3:4-5World’s view: You are/what you made yourself into.Christian view: You are/what Christ has made you into.Authenticity with Others."When we live in authentic community, we learn to trust, to forgive, and to serve one another. We become more like Jesus, who came not to be served, but

In a world that pressures to divide, devalue, and discard, followers of Jesus must shift to a God-perspective and see the image of God in ALL people.Big Idea: There is no us and them—there is only us.Jesus calls the Church to change our vocabulary from THEM to US, from a verbiage that SEPARATES to a verbiage that LOVES.Genesis 1:26–31Luke 10:30–37Problem:Division moves to devaluation which devolves to hatred and death. The Ramifications:An Us vs. Them mindset is the fuel for hatred, division, racism, sexism, anger, violence, war, isolation, ageismThe enemy uses an Us vs. Them to counteract the heart of God.Solution:Understand how God sees humanity–made in the image of God.John 15:15–18Respond to need, not differences.Position vs. PostureGalatians 3:26–282 Cor. 5:16-20Response:• Look: are there people that God has strategically and supernaturally placed in your oikos that you are ignoring?• Listen: build friendships with people with whom you disagree and simply listen.• Bless your Oikos Ephesians 2:14DISCOVERY

Genesis 3:8-19 The Anatomy of Human Captivity:• Fear - our core emotion• Shame - our core motivation• Hiding - our core strategy• Blame - our self-deception• Curse - our cultural realityThe Big Idea:  Perfect love is the only thing that sets captives free.1 John 4:18-19 Freedom is not the absence of some thing; it’s the presence of Some One.How we deepen our own captivity:Colossians. 2:8The Three D’S of POW’s held in war:• Debility• Dependence• DreadThe Decisive Deliverance of JesusColossians 2:9-15The Key to Continual Freedom:Titus 2:11-12RESPONSE:• Leave your condemnation on the cross• Rely upon daily grace, not personal willpower. • B.L.E.S.S. your OikosDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Hebrews 1:1-4► 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 th

Isaiah 30:15-16Matthew 11:28-30The Big Idea: Real rest is a 24/7/365 invitation for followers of Jesus.The Problem:I’m worn out, overwhelmed, and rarely at rest.The Ten symptoms of “hurry sickness”:1. Irritability—You get mad, frustrated, or just annoyed way too easily.2. Hypersensitivity—It takes very little to throw you into an emotional funk and ruin your day.3. Restlessness—When you actually do try to slow down and rest, you can’t relax.4. Workaholism (or just nonstop activity)—You just don’t know when to stop. Or worse, you can’t stop.5. Emotional numbness—You just don’t have the capacity to feel another’s pain.6. Out-of-order priorities—You feel disconnected from your identity and calling.7. Lack of care for your body—You don’t have time for the basics of physical health8. Escapist behaviors—When we’re too tired to do what’s actually life-giving for our souls, we each turn to our distraction of choice: overeating, overdrinking, binge-watching Netflix, browsing social media, surfing the web, looking at p

Luke 23:13-25; 32-34; 38-43; 46-47‭Three witnesses of the King’s Love:1. Barabbas - Receives a pardon he does not deserve2. A Criminal on his cross - Receives an eternal paradise he does not deserve3. A Centurion executioner at foot of the cross - Receives a revelation about God that he does not deserve.How do I know that this is real and certain?His resurrection is the guarantee of this promised reality, both now and forever.1 Peter 1:3-5Response:• Receive what you do not deserve, by the mercy and grace of Jesus alone• Live free and transformed in the finished work of Jesus• Offer His grace to all who surround youDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Luke 22:39-46► 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 doe

Luke 15:1-7The Big Idea: Jesus is the best friend a sinner could ever have.Luke 7:33-35The Lost SheepHow do Sheep get lost? One clump of grass at a time!Jesus leaves the 99 and goes after the one. And then throws a big party!The Lost CoinHow does a coin get lost? It slips through someone’s fingers.Jesus loves people who fell through someone’s fingers. He lights lamps and searches all night. He sweeps and sweeps. He searches UNTIL HE FINDS THEM.The Lost SonHow does a son get lost? Wanting to make a life for himself where no one has authority over him.Luke 15:21-24Luke 15:31-32Jesus is the best friend a sinner could ever have, and He wants you to be the second best.Response:• Come home to the Father who is searching for you!• Join the Father’s search for the lost and the dead. • Pray for your Oikos and serve them!DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Luke 19:35-40► 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?

The Big Idea: The more I know God’s Word, the more I will recognize His voice in all kinds of places.James 1:2-11, 21-251. Start with WhyWhy do you want to hear from God? What are you looking for? James 1 Suggests Four Good Reasons to Listen to God:• He is Good and Sovereign • He is committed to your development and growth • He is trustworthy. Placing your trust elsewhere makes you unstable• Life is a temporary assignment2. Commit to Obedience2 Timothy 3:14-17C.S. Lewis said, “Obedience is the key that opens every door.” 3. Get into the Word consistently and systematically James 1:22-25A Discovery Bible Study is a fantastic tool for this!Response:• I will seek only to know God’s will and find the grace to live it• I will consistently and systematically read the Word of God• I will encourage my Oikos with the goodness of God and what I learnDISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's Passage: Deuteronomy 6:4-9► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do wit

3 Attitudes we might find ourselves in:• Confident• Curious• CautiousBig Idea: The Bible is the living, active Word of God that connects us to its author.John 14:1-7Scripture is the telling of God’s story.Attitude towards Scripture dictates authority, the authority dictates transformation.2 Timothy 3:14-17• The Bible is not just true, it is TRUTH.“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)Follow the Word - Following Jesus - Finding Truth - Finding Life• Because it’s ALIVE & ACTIVE“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3)Hebrews 4:12-13Psalm 119:130• The Word connects us to the Author.“If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” (John 14:7)- Listening aligns our patterns with God’s.- Listening gives us a glimpse into what is next.Response: The Word transforms your life as you surrender to its authority.• Transformation is the evidence of the Word at work.• Submitting to Lordship/au

Can we trust this book to be what it says it is—a story of God’s plan for us?Luke 1:1–41 Thessalonians 2:13John 20:31The Big Idea: You can trust God, and you can trust His word1. Why Has It Not Been Trusted?Perceptions and Misunderstandings• Preconceptions• Misunderstood contexts 2. Why CAN It be Trusted?The Historical Accuracy of God’s Word• There is eyewitness testimony• The biographies (gospels) and letters were accurately preserved• There is credible evidence outside of biographies• Archaeological evidence still confirms the reality of JesusTransformed LivesIf the Bible has been used to hurt you, it breaks the heart of God. God’s word may convict, but it is always used to bring us healing.1 Thessalonians 2:13Trust will always require an element of faith.“Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.” –E. Paul HoveyResponse:• Spend this week meditating on the trustworthiness of God. Psalm 1:1-3• Choose a challenging passage in the Bible and study it to gain oth

Matthew 7:24-27The Big Idea: The Bible is the solid foundation we all need.Three Things The Bible Is:1. The Bible is the Word of God.Revelation 19:11-14Hebrews 4:12 2. The Bible is the Story of God.A library of 66 books, written by 39 authors on 3 continents over 1,500 years. When we don't understand the context of God, we miss the details of God.3. The Bible is Real, Raw, and Relevant “The Gospel is not just an answer that will work; it is the only answer that will work.” - Nabeel Quireshi What the Bible is Not:1. The Bible is not a quick fixPsalm 1:1-3 2. The Bible is not just for scholars.2 lies: • It’s too archaic and behind you• It’s too academic and beyond youPsalm 119:105 ‭‭‬ ‭3. The Bible is not a buffet.Proverbs 14:12‭‭Answer these questions:Can God disagree with you? Would you hear Him if He did? Will you listen to Him and consider His wisdom, Truth, and love for you?Will you allow Him to speak - to guide - to correct - to heal - to call you - to use your life in His story?RESPONSE:• I will read a p

Mark 8:34-38Matthew 11:28–30Big Idea: As we give God an undivided heart, He infuses our life with His Spirit as we learn to walk in step with Him.1. We balance ON the rock–Jesus–our foundationMatthew 7:24-25 “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” ― Deitrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship2. We balance WITH the Spirit–with all of our lives intertwined with the Spiritual (capital S), yoked in sync with Jesus"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.” –Garden City, John Mark Comer3. We balance AMIDST the mysteries of God–where faith lives in tension.“Other paradoxes in the Benedictine spiritual way of life include the creative tensions between community and solitude, words and silence, human labor and divine grace, dying to live, and becoming poor to find true riches. Part of the genius of….spirituality is learning to live a balanced li

Matthew 7:24-27Matthew 22:36-40Matthew 28:16-20The Big Idea: If you don’t have a sense of purpose worth dying for, you will struggle to find anything worth living for.How to Build on Solid Rock:• Embrace that all authority in heaven and on earth is HIS• Entrust my entire life to the Lordship of Jesus, as I currently understand it• Be baptized into a living relationship with God• Commit to obeying everything Jesus taught and commands• Be a spiritual father or motherRomans 1:1-2Oikos: Extended HouseholdThe greatest contribution you can ever make to God and the world is found in your own household.Mark 2:1-12A Simple and Strategic Lifestyle: Be a Blessing!Believe for them in PrayerListen to themEat with themServe themShare your story with themResponse:• I will entrust my life to God and to Him alone• I will build my life on the love of God• I will bless my extended household Book recommendation: The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World - Rosaria But

Psalm 133:1-3John 17:20-23The Big Idea: Christian community exists because of Jesus, through Jesus, and for the mission of Jesus.“The Kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing, who would ever have been spared?” - Martin LutherCommunity Because of Jesus:Our community with one another consists solely in what Christ has done to both of us.Christian brotherhood is not an ideal we must realize, but rather a reality created by God, through Christ Jesus in which we may participate.Community Through JesusJesus prays that we might be One as He and the Father are One - only by being IN Jesus and IN the Father, by the work of the Holy Spirit. - One Body - the Body of Jesus• We receive one another as works of God’s grace• We love one another as Jesus lov

Stability: To make an impact, one must remain in the same place for a long time.Jeremiah 1:10Jeremiah 29:4-14The French have a saying from the 15th Century: "Fleuris là où tu es plantée," which means, "Bloom where you are planted."Big Idea: God wants you to bloom where He has you planted.• God has a plan for your exile season.Jeremiah 29:4Jeremiah 29:11• Blooming where we are planted brings stability and power.Psalm 1:3“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” - unknown.Jeremiah 29:5-6• Stability produces change.Jeremiah 29:7“You cannot pray for someone and hate them at the same time.” - Billy Graham. Jeremiah 29:12-14Response: God has a plan for where you are planted, and He wants you to join Him there. • 2 ways to answer the question, should I leave or should I stay:- Is God calling me to something new? - Has God released me from where I am currently planted?• God always calls us TO something, not FROM something. • Pray for your exile season.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUD