Stage Expansion

1. More room for kids during kids' programs 
2. Improve our live stream 
3. Increased ceiling height so that we can hang a screen above the stage for worship lyrics. 

• James 5:1-3 "Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you..."
• Insight: James gives a stern warning to those who hoard wealth at the expense of others. Wealth itself isn’t condemned, but using it unjustly or selfishly is.
• Application: Encourage readers to reflect on how they use their resources. Are they storing up treasures on earth or using what they have to bless others?
• Action Step: This week, take stock of your resources—whether time, money, or talents. Identify one way you can use what you have to serve someone in need.

• James 5:7  "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop..."
• Insight: Patience is hard when we’re suffering or waiting for change. But just like a farmer waits for crops to grow, we must trust that God is working even when we can’t see it.
• Application: Encourage readers to practice patience in their current struggles. Remind them that God is faithful and His timing is perfect.
• Action Step: Identify one area where you’re struggling with impatience—whether it’s waiting for an answer from God or enduring a difficult season. Commit this area to prayer daily this week and ask God for strength to wait well.

• James 5:8 "You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."
• Insight: James calls believers to strengthen their hearts as they wait for God’s justice. This isn’t passive waiting—it’s an active stance of faith.
• Application: Challenge readers to focus on spiritual growth during seasons of waiting. Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing—it means preparing your heart for what God is going to do.
• Action Step: This week, choose one spiritual discipline—prayer, Bible reading, fasting—that will help strengthen your heart as you wait on God. Make it a daily habit.

• James 5:16  "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
• Insight: James emphasizes that prayer isn’t just a last resort—it’s powerful and effective. Whether in sickness or sin, prayer has the ability to bring healing and restoration.
• Application: Encourage readers to take their needs—and the needs of others—to God in prayer with confidence that He hears and responds.
• Action Step: This week, commit to praying daily for someone who is sick or struggling. Believe that your prayers are powerful and can make a difference in their life.

• James 4:1  "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?"
• Insight: James pinpoints the root of conflict—our selfish desires. When we pursue our own way instead of God’s way, it leads to strife both internally and externally.
• Application: Encourage readers to reflect on areas in their lives where selfish desires are causing conflict—with others or within themselves.
• Action Step: "This week, identify one area where your desires are in conflict with God’s will. Surrender that area to Him in prayer and ask for His help to align your heart with His.

• James 4:6  "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
• Insight: Pride is a barrier between us and God. When we humble ourselves, we open ourselves up to His grace and favor. Humility is the key to resolving conflict and drawing closer to God.
• Application: Challenge readers to examine their hearts for pride—whether it’s in relationships, decisions, or their approach to God.
• Action Step: "Take a moment this week to humble yourself before God. Confess any areas of pride and ask Him to help you live with a spirit of humility."

• James 4:7  "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
• Insight: Submission to God is not weakness—it’s strength. When we submit to God’s authority, we gain the power to resist temptation and overcome spiritual attacks.
• Application: Encourage readers to actively submit their lives to God each day. Remind them that resisting temptation starts with surrendering control to Him.
• Action Step: "Each morning this week, start your day by praying a simple prayer of submission: 'God, I submit my life, my plans, and my desires to You today.' Watch how this transforms your ability to resist temptation.

• James 4:8 "Come near to God and He will come near to you."
• Insight: The promise is clear—when we intentionally draw near to God through prayer, repentance, and humility, He meets us where we are. This closeness brings peace in place of conflict.
• Application: Challenge readers to prioritize time with God this week. Encourage them that no matter how far they feel from Him, He is always ready to meet them when they seek Him.
• Action Step: "Set aside a specific time each day this week for uninterrupted time with God. Whether through prayer or reading Scripture, intentionally draw near to Him and experience His presence.

• James 3:5-6  "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."
• Insight: James uses vivid imagery to show how powerful our words are. The tongue may be small, but it has the potential to cause immense damage—or immense good.
• Application: Encourage readers to reflect on how they use their words—are they building others up or tearing them down?
• Action Step: "This week, commit to speaking only words that encourage, build up, or bring life to others. Catch yourself before saying anything negative or harmful.

• James 3:9-10  "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings... Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing."
• Insight: Our speech often reflects a divided heart. We can’t praise God one moment and curse others the next—it reveals a disconnect in our faith.
• Application: Challenge readers to examine their consistency in speech. Do their words align with their faith in all circumstances?
• Action Step: "Take note of any situations where your speech doesn’t reflect your faith. Write down one practical way you can become more consistent in speaking life over others.

• James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
• Insight: Wisdom isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about living humbly and peacefully. True wisdom is demonstrated through actions, not just words.
• Application: Encourage readers to seek wisdom from God rather than relying on worldly knowledge or self-promotion.
• Action Step: Pray for godly wisdom this week. Ask God to help you live humbly and make decisions that reflect His peace and purity.

• James 3:17  "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit..."
• Insight: James contrasts earthly wisdom—marked by envy and selfish ambition—with heavenly wisdom, which produces peace, mercy, and good fruit.
• Application: Challenge readers to evaluate the kind of "fruit" their lives are producing. Are they sowing peace or discord? Mercy or judgment?
• Action Step: Identify one area in your life where you need to replace selfish ambition with peace-loving humility. Take one step toward making peace with someone this week.

• James 2:1-4 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ...
• Insight: Favoritism contradicts the heart of the gospel. James uses the example of showing preference to the rich over the poor as a direct violation of Christian love.
• Application: Encourage readers to reflect on how they might show favoritism in their own lives—whether through wealth, status, or appearance.
• Action Step: This week, intentionally reach out to someone you might have overlooked or undervalued. Show them the same love and respect you would give anyone else.

• James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well.
• Insight: The "Royal Law" is foundational to Christian living. Favoritism violates this law and makes us lawbreakers.
• Application: Challenge readers to think about how they can better love their neighbors—especially those who are different from them.
• Action Step: Identify one way you can love your neighbor this week—whether through an act of service, a kind word, or simply listening.

• James 2:12-13  For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
• Insight: Mercy is a defining trait of true faith. If we judge others harshly, we will be judged by the same standard.
• Application: Encourage readers to reflect on how they treat others—do they show mercy, or are they quick to judge?
• Action Step: Make a conscious effort this week to extend mercy in a situation where you would normally be quick to judge.

• James 2:14  What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?
• Insight: Faith must be more than intellectual belief—it must be demonstrated through action. James uses Abraham and Rahab as examples of faith in action.
• Application: Challenge readers to examine their own lives. Are their actions reflecting their faith? Are they living out what they say they believe?
• Action Step: This week, take one concrete step to put your faith into action—whether it’s helping someone in need, volunteering, or sharing your faith with someone.

• James 1:2-4  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds...
• Insight: Trials are inevitable, but they produce perseverance. Perseverance leads to maturity.
• Application: Encourage readers to reframe their trials. Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What is God teaching me through this?”
• Action Step: This week, identify one trial you're facing and ask God to show you how He is using it to grow your faith.

• James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God...
• Insight: In trials, we often lack clarity. James reminds us that God generously gives wisdom when we ask.
• Application: When overwhelmed by decisions or challenges, don’t rely on your own understanding—ask God for wisdom.
• Action Step: Start each day by praying for wisdom in one specific area of your life where you need clarity.

• James 1:9-11 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position...
• Insight: Whether in seasons of abundance or scarcity, humility is key. Our worth is not tied to our circumstances but to our identity in Christ.
• Application: Encourage readers to find contentment in Christ rather than their material status.
• Action Step: "Write down three ways you can practice humility this week—whether you're in a season of plenty or want."

• James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above...
• Insight: In the midst of trials, it’s easy to forget that God is the source of all good things. He doesn’t tempt us; He blesses us.
• Application: Shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. Gratitude changes perspective.
• Action Step: Take five minutes each day this week to list out the blessings in your life—even the small ones.

• Insight: Faith without action is dead. It’s not enough to hear God’s Word—we must live it out.
• Application: Challenge readers to take practical steps based on what they’ve learned from Scripture.
• Action Step: Identify one area where you’ve been hearing but not doing. Commit to taking one step of action this week.

1. Why is it important to seek God daily in our lives?
   Context: Pastor Mark emphasizes that seeking God daily helps us live a fulfilling and purposeful life.
   Application Question: How can you prioritize seeking God in your daily life?
2. What are some practical ways to integrate reminders of God's presence throughout the day?
   Context: Pastor Mark suggests asking for God's protection and guidance during daily tasks like getting dressed, combing hair, and putting on shoes.
   Application Question: What other daily tasks can you include God in?
3. How can we follow Jesus' example of prayer and solitude?
   Context: Pastor Mark shares instances of Jesus taking time alone to pray and seek God's presence.
   Application Question: What adjustments can you make in your life to spend more time alone with God in prayer?
4. What are some tips for finding consistency and developing a daily devotional routine?
   Context: Pastor Mark encourages finding a specific time and quiet place for devotional time and having a plan for reading and studying Scripture.
   Application Question: What specific time, place, and plan can you develop for your own daily devotions?
5. How does seeking God daily prepare us for life's challenges and help fulfill God's purposes?
   Context: Pastor Mark shares a personal story of how his time with God helped him through the loss of his brother and emphasizes the importance of preparation.
   Application Question: Can you recall a difficult situation in your life where spending time with God made a difference, or how it could have if you had prioritized it?

1. Why is Jesus' resurrection a foundational truth of the Christian faith?
   Context: Pastor Robbey highlighted the resurrection as a core part of Christianity, connecting it to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the disciples' transformation.
   Application Question: How does the resurrection impact your personal faith and beliefs?
2. How does the transformation of the disciples after encountering the risen Jesus serve as evidence for the resurrection?
   Context: The sermon discussed how the disciples went from hiding in fear to boldly proclaiming the message of Jesus as God's son, even enduring persecution.
   Application Question: Have you experienced a personal transformation in your life because of your faith in Jesus? Share your story.
3. What would be the consequences for Christians if there was no resurrection?
   Context: In the sermon, Pastor Robbey explained that without the resurrection, preaching, faith, giving, and serving would be in vain, and our hope would be lost.
   Application Question: How does believing in the resurrection give your faith, actions, and life purpose and hope?
4. Based on 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, how do Jesus' appearances to multiple people after his resurrection provide evidence for its reality?
   Context: Pastor Robbey mentioned that at the time of Paul's writing, many of the over 500 witnesses to Jesus' resurrection were still alive and could testify.
   Application Question: How can we use these examples and testimonies to strengthen our faith and share it with others?
5. How does the resurrection shape a believer's perspective on life, death, and eternity?
   Context: The sermon concluded with stories of individuals who found comfort and hope in the resurrection when facing the loss of loved ones, and the confidence it gives Christians.
   Application Question: How has the hope of the resurrection brought comfort to you or helped you face challenges in your life?

1. How can we use our victories and experiences in the spiritual battle to help others?
   Context: Pastor Robbey encourages us to celebrate victories and use our experiences to help others find freedom from sin.
   Application Question: Are there any experiences in your life where you've overcome temptation or helped others do so that you'd feel comfortable sharing with the group?
2. Why is it important for Christians to be aware of the spiritual battle and to put on the whole armor of God?
   Context: Pastor Robbey explains that Satan, our spiritual enemy, seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, and still has the power to influence lives.
   Application Question: In your own life, have you experienced any situations where you felt under attack by the enemy, and how can putting on the whole armor of God help you in those situations?
3. How can we practically apply Ephesians 6:10-20 to our daily lives?
   Context: This scripture discusses the need to be strong in the Lord and to put on the armor of God in order to withstand the schemes of the devil.
   Application Question: What are some practical ways you can put on each piece of the armor of God every day?
4. What role does accountability play in resisting temptation and overcoming habitual sin?
   Context: Pastor Robbey emphasizes the importance of identifying triggers and asking for accountability from others to help us deal with sin.
   Application Question: In your own life, how can you establish accountability with others to help you resist temptation and overcome habitual sin more effectively?
5. Why is it important to regularly read the Bible and pray in staying strong in our faith?
   Context: Pastor Robbey urges us to resist the devil and draw near to God by staying connected with Him through His Word and prayer.
   Application Question: What are some ways you can ensure that you are consistently reading the Bible and praying to maintain a strong connection with God?

1. What is the main message of Galatians 5:1-4 in the context of legalistic religion?
   Context: Pastor Robbey emphasized that the context of the passage in Galatians is about Jewish leaders telling gentile believers that they need to be circumcised and follow certain dietary and worship rules to be saved.
   Application Question: How does this scripture relate to the concept of freedom in Christ?
2. How can our freedoms become stumbling blocks for others, according to Pastor Robbey?
   Context: Pastor Robbey explores the idea that our freedoms become sinful when they destroy another person's faith, violate the second greatest commandment of loving our neighbor as ourselves, or go against the principles of the gospel.
   Application Question: Can you think of a specific example in your life where your freedom might have been a stumbling block to someone else?
3. What are the three questions Pastor Robbey shared to consider when our freedoms become sinful?
   Context: He shared these three questions: 1) When our freedoms destroy another person's faith; 2) When our freedoms violate the second greatest commandment of loving our neighbor; and 3) When our freedoms hinder the spreading of the gospel.
   Application Question: How can we practically apply these questions to our daily lives?
4. Why did Paul circumcise Timothy in Acts 16:3, and what does this teach us about exercising our freedoms?
   Context: Paul circumcises Timothy for the sake of the Jews they were ministering to, not because circumcision was necessary for salvation.
   Application Question: In what ways can this example serve as a guide for us when making decisions regarding our own freedoms?
5. How can we as a community foster growth and love in Christ by prioritizing the needs of others?
   Context: In the sermon's conclusion, Pastor Robbey emphasized the need to lay down our freedoms, rights, and liberties for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
   Application Question: What changes can we make in our own behavior to contribute to a more loving and supportive Christian community?

1. How can understanding our struggles with sin, as discussed in Romans 7, help Christians in their spiritual journey?
   Context: Pastor Robbey mentioned that believers often struggle to live up to God's law and understanding this struggle helps us mindfully. Romans 7 is written specifically to Christians to help them understand their relationship with God's law.
   Application Question: Can you identify personal struggles with sin in your life, and how can understanding these struggles help you improve your relationship with God?
2. Why is it important for believers to recognize that the law serves to reveal sin but cannot bring life?
   Context: Pastor Robbey emphasized that sin is the problem, not the law. The law is given to bring knowledge and drive believers to God's grace.
   Application Question: How has recognizing your own sinfulness helped you rely more on God's grace in your life?
3. What does it mean for believers to serve in a new way, as stated in the sermon?
   Context: Believers are encouraged to serve by following the leading of the Holy Spirit, instead of relying on a written code (like the Ten Commandments).
   Application Question: Can you think of an example where you felt led by the Holy Spirit, and how did that change your perspective on following God's will?
4. How can acknowledging our own inability to perfectly follow God's law help deepen our relationship with Jesus?
   Context: The sermon encourages believers to accept their wretchedness and rely on Jesus for deliverance, leading to a new way of living according to the Spirit.
   Application Question: In what ways have you personally relied on Jesus for help in overcoming your struggles with sin?
5. How does the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt relate to Christians being delivered from the slavery of sin?
   Context: Pastor Robbey discussed the metaphorical significance of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, likening it to believers being set free from the bondage of sin.
   Application Question: Can you share a personal testimony of how Jesus has freed you from the bondage of sin in your life?

• We are raising the standard that we hold ourselves accountable
• We are raising the standard by which we lead others
• We are seeking another person to lead our students

1. Ask God to help us identify and cast aside any idols in our lives.
2. Pray for the strength and determination to turn away from our idols and redirect our focus towards God.
3. Ask God to cultivate gratitude in our hearts and guide us in using our blessings to bless others.
4. Pray for accountability and support as we strive to destroy idols and deepen our relationship with God.

1. How did the encounter with Jesus change the Samaritan woman's priorities, and what can we learn from her actions?
   Context: After meeting Jesus, the Samaritan woman left her water jar behind and went back to the town to share her story.
   Application Question: What are some ways that your encounter with Jesus has changed your priorities and how can you share your story with others?
2. Why is it significant that Jesus gave his attention to the Samaritan woman, regardless of her social status?
   Context: Jesus' interaction with the woman demonstrates his care for everyone and extending grace to all.
   Application Question: How can we follow Jesus' example and show love and grace to people who may be overlooked or discriminated against in our society?
3. In John 4:15-30, how did Jesus address the Samaritan woman's sin and what does this tell us about dealing with our own sins?
   Context: Jesus pointed out her sin but offered himself as the solution, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith in him.
   Application Question: What sins do you need to address in your life, and how can you turn to Jesus as the solution?
4. In what ways can sharing personal testimonies of redemption impact the lives of others?
   Context: Pastor Robert emphasized that sharing our stories can bring hope and transformation to those in need.
   Application Question: How can you share your story of redemption with others, and what opportunities could you pursue to do so?
5. What does it mean to surrender your life to Jesus and seek forgiveness for your sins?
   Context: Pastor Robert provided an invitation to make a decision to follow Jesus and experience a new chapter in life.
   Application Question: How have you experienced surrendering your life to Jesus, and what changes have you seen in your life as a result?

• Ask God to help you apply the truth of heaven and hell to your life this week.
• Pray for a heart of repentance and turning away from sin.
• Seek God's guidance in sharing the gospel with others.
• Ask for God's strength to resist the self-serving mindset of comparing yourself to others.

1. How does Jesus' interaction with sinners and tax collectors contrast with the Pharisees' reaction? What can we learn about the heart of Jesus from this?
   Context: In the sermon, Pastor Robbey examines the different reactions to Jesus from sinners versus religious Pharisees, with the former being attracted to Jesus while the latter being repelled by his association with sinners.
   Application Question: Can you identify any areas in your own life where you may react more like a Pharisee towards certain individuals or situations? How can you work towards embracing a more Christ-like attitude?
2. Pastor Robbey mentioned the issue of how religious people sometimes treat service workers in restaurants. What does this teach us about the importance of our behavior when reflecting God's love to others?
   Context: The sermon highlighted the common occurrence of rudeness and stinginess towards restaurant staff by religious individuals, emphasizing the importance of showing kindness and generosity to others.
   Application Question: Think about your own interactions with service workers or others considered as 'outcasts.' Are there any ways you could improve your attitude or actions to better reflect God's love to them?
3. What does the parable of the lost sheep represent, and how should we, as Christians, respond to those who are lost?
   Context: Pastor Robbey explained that the story of leaving the 99 to search for the one lost sheep represents the care Jesus puts into pursuing and saving lost souls, emphasizing the believers' responsibility to actively search for and reach the lost.
   Application Question: How can you personally become more active in searching for lost souls in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to share God's love with them?
4. In Jesus' parable of the lost coin, why is it essential for Christians to celebrate and rejoice when a lost soul is found?
   Context: The sermon mentioned that a saved soul brings joy to God and the heavenly hosts, and it is an opportunity for us to brings a smile to God's face by actively pursuing and caring for the lost.
   Application Question: Can you recall a time when you or your community celebrated the salvation of a lost soul? How can you make it a regular practice to rejoice over such victories?
5. What practical step did Pastor Robbey encourage the congregation to take in reaching out to their 'ones,' and what was the main purpose of this action?
   Context: Pastor Robbey led the congregation to send text messages to their respective 'ones' letting them know they are being prayed for, aiming to show care and initiate a conversation about faith.
   Application Question: Who is your 'one' or someone in your life who may be lost and needs God's love? How can you reach out to them through prayer and initiating meaningful conversations?