Movements often begin with unstoppable passion, but without intentional leadership and healthy structure, even the most compelling cause will eventually fizzle out. In Acts 6, we see how the early church navigated the complexity of rapid growth by building humble, diverse servant leadership to support the flourishing of the gospel. Rather than settling for a purely inward-focused community or a solely outward-focused mission, we are challenged to become a Jesus-focused people where community and mission are entirely inseparable. Acts 6:1-7Seven Chosen to Serve6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.For Adult Homes and Groups1. Read Acts 6:1-7 together and take time to listen/watch the Faith Greenhouse Podcast episode, “Life Groups - Where it Started.” 2. How can we confuse being busy or passionate with producing lasting Gospel fruit? How can we make sure we’re serving Jesus’ mission rather than simply seeking a feeling?3. Acts 6 shows that God’s mission can bring tension and complexity. How should this shape the way we respond to conflict within our own church community?4. How do community and mission fuel each other? How does healthy, loving community inside our group make Jesus attractive to outsiders?5. Do you see yourself as simply receiving ministry or as someone God can use to serve others? What is one step you feel called to take? Share it, pray about it together, and encourage one another to take that step.For Families with Kids1. Read Acts 6:1–7. The early church learned that everyone has a part to play. What is one way you can serve our church family this week?2. It’s easy for a church to get distracted, but our main goal is always to follow Jesus. How can we help each other stay focused on Him?3. We shouldn’t only invite people to church; we should also share Jesus’ love wherever we live, work, learn, and play. This week, how can our family love one another at home and also share Jesus’ love with a neighbor, classmate, or teammate?4. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together out loud.

We live in a hyper-connected generation. We can connect with someone across the world in a matter of seconds, and yet people are feeling increasingly disconnected. Loneliness and isolation are at an all-time high. The more connected we become technologically, the more disconnected we become relationally. But in the midst of our disconnection, the Gospel has an answer. We often think of the Gospel in terms of forgiveness of sins or healing, but the Gospel also connects us to genuine community. We see this in one of Jesus’ own healings in the Gospel of Luke. Let’s discover how the Gospel is not only about the forgiveness of sins, but also an invitation into genuine community.Luke 8:40-4840 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”Acts 4:32-37They Had Everything in Common32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.Galatians 3:27-29They Had Everything in Common32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.John 13:34-3534 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”Jeremiah 29:4-74 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.Acts 2:42–47The Fellowship of the Believers42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.For Adult Homes and Groups1. Reread Luke 8:40–48. What do you notice about the woman’s situation and the way she approaches Jesus?2. Jesus could have allowed the woman to be healed without anyone knowing what happened. Why do you think Jesus stops and brings her out of the crowd? What does His response to her show you?3. Reread Jesus’ words to the woman in Luke 8:48. What do you notice about the way Jesus speaks to her after she has been healed?4. Read Acts 2:42–47. How does this description of the early Christian community shape the way you think about and live out Gospel community today?For Families with Kids1. Read Luke 8:40–48 together.2. Have you ever felt left out on the playground, or felt like nobody was playing with you? How does your heart feel when you feel lonely?3. Jesus stopped the whole crowd just to look at the woman, tell her she was loved, and heal her. How does it feel to know that even when you feel invisible or lonely, Jesus sees you and loves you?4. Loneliness fades when people feel seen. As a family, pick one person this week who might be lonely (a neighbor living alone, a new kid at school, or an extended relative). Together, write them a card, bake them a treat, or call them just to let them know they are thought of and loved.

Today we're talking about something almost everyone of us carries some anxiety about: raising kids. We won't be handing out a five-step formula; instead, we're going to look at two passages in Genesis most people never think to connect to parenting. There’s something a lot more freeing than better technique: the truth that our kids were never actually ours in the first place. Whether you're in the thick of parenting right now, have adult children, or are nowhere near parenting yet, come ready to trade some of the pressure of "getting it right" for the peace of simply being faithful.Genesis 22:1-18The Sacrifice of Isaac22 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. 9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”For Adult Homes and Groups1. Growing up, what’s one “rule” in your house that you didn’t understand until you were older (or maybe still don’t)?2. In what areas do you struggle to see God as Father?3. In Genesis 22, God stopped Abraham’s hand and provided a ram so he wouldn’t have to carry the cost himself. Read Romans 8:32. How does knowing that God already gave up His own Son change the weight you feel about controlling outcomes you were never really in charge of?4. What’s one way that you can love your children or others around you this week the way our Heavenly Father has loved us?For Families with Kids1. Read Genesis 22:1-18 together. 2. Isaac went on a long walk with his dad into the mountains. How do you feel when you have to go somewhere new or do something you’ve never done before?3. God surprised Abraham and Isaac by providing a ram in the bushes right when they needed it. Can you think of a happy surprise God or your parents gave you recently?4. In this story, Abraham’s greatest test was letting go of his child. Knowing how much parents worry about your safety, your future, and your choices, how does that shape the way you view the rules or boundaries at home?5. “Dear God, sometimes the world feels big and scary, and I don’t know what will happen next. Thank you for giving me parents who love me and a Heavenly Father who always watches over me. Help me to trust You when I feel worried. Amen.”

Anxiety can leave us grasping for control, trying to manage circumstances that were never ours to control in the first place. But when Jesus calls us not to be anxious, He doesn't simply say, “Stop being anxious,” or “Pray more.” He points us to the tangible reminders all around us that God cares for His creation, and then reminds us how much more He cares for us - how important we are to Him and how deeply he loves us.Jesus allows us to lean into Him with our anxieties and move from a place of control to a place of trust that He is in control. The commands of Scripture don't condemn us for being anxious. Instead, they invite us to cast our cares and anxieties on the One who is truly in control and, at the same time, truly loves us.Matthew 6:25-34Do Not Be Anxious25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.Romans 8:18-23Future Glory18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.1 Peter 5:6-76 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.Phil 4:6-74 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.John 14:16-1816 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Romans 8:28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.Revelation 7:9-17A Great Multitude from Every Nation9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.      15    “Therefore they are before the throne of God,   and serve him day and night in his temple;   and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.      16    They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;   the sun shall not strike them,   nor any scorching heat.      17    For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,   and he will guide them to springs of living water,         and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” For Adult Homes and Groups1. Reread Matthew 6:25–34. What tangible reminders does Jesus point to as evidence of God’s care? What does Jesus want us to remember about our value to God when we are anxious?2. Reread Philippians 4:4–7. What does Paul invite us to do with our anxieties? What does God promise as we bring our concerns to Him?3. Reread 1 Peter 5:6–7. What connection do you see between giving up control, humbling ourselves before God, and casting our anxieties on Him? What reason does Peter give us for trusting God with them?4. Reread Romans 8:28. How does trusting that God is at work, even when you cannot see or control what is happening, change the way you approach the things causing you anxiety?For Families with Kids1. Read Matthew 6:25–34 together. What is one small thing that made you feel worried or nervous this week? If you could instantly erase one everyday worry, what would it be?2. Jesus tells us to look at the birds and the lilies. Do birds wake up stressed about finding breakfast, or do flowers worry about what they are wearing? Jesus says we are worth much more to God than birds and flowers. How does knowing your true value to God help change the way you view your problems?3. The word “anxious” can mean having a divided or distracted heart. What are some things that distract us from remembering that God loves us?4. Grab a jar or a small box. Have each family member write down one current anxiety on a piece of paper, pray over it together, and drop it in the box as a symbol of handing it over to God.

We live in a world that constantly tells us to find our identity in our accomplishments, relationships, appearance, careers, or what others think about us. But Scripture gives us a different starting point. Our identity begins with God. In Genesis 1, we discover that we are created by God, made in His image, given purpose, and called “very good.” Before we accomplish anything, God gives us dignity, value, and purpose. This week, take time to consider what God says about who you are and allow His Word, not the opinions of others, to shape your identity.Genesis 1:24-3124 And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.For Adult Homes and GroupsRead Genesis 1:24-31, then reflect on these questions:1. When someone asks, “Who are you?” how do you typically answer?2. What people, accomplishments, roles, or circumstances most influence how you see yourself?3. What stands out to you about how God created humanity in these verses?4. What does it mean to you personally to be created in the image of God?For Families with Kids1. Read Genesis 1 together. Main point: We do not have to guess who we are or earn our value. God already decided our identity: we are made in His image to reflect His love to the world.2. What does it mean to be a “reflection” of someone? How can we reflect God’s kindness and love to our friends or siblings this week?3. God gave humans the job of taking care of His creation (v. 28). How can we, as a family, better reflect God’s care and responsibility in our home and neighborhood?4. Look at the person next to you. What is one specific way you see God’s creativity or goodness reflected in them?5. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.

In a world of deepfakes, artificially generated content that looks real, and algorithms quietly shaping the way we think, our culture is wrestling with a deeply important question: What is real, and what is true? As the world changes rapidly and truth becomes harder to recognize, the heart of the Christian faith reminds us that the source of all truth put on flesh and blood, broke into our broken world, and walked among us. Jesus came not only to save us, but to give us the clearest picture of truth we could ever ask for.Truth has a name: Jesus. In a world of shifting voices and competing versions of reality, we can hold on to the truth that has existed since the foundation of creation—a truth that remains unchanged in a world that never seems to stop changing. When truth feels harder and harder to recognize, we can hold on to the unchanging truth of Jesus.Colossians 1:15–2315 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.For Adult Homes and GroupsRead Colossians 1:15–23, John 14:5–7, Hebrews 1:1–4, and Hebrews 13:7–9, then reflect on these questions:1. What do these passages tell you about who Jesus is and why He can be trusted as the clearest picture of what is real and true?2. Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” How does that change the way you think about truth - not simply as something to understand, but as someone to know and follow?3. Hebrews 13 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Where are the changing voices, messages, or influences around you making it difficult to recognize or hold on to what is true?4. If “Truth has a name: Jesus,” what would it look like for you to hold more firmly to Him this week?For Families with Kids1. Read Colossians 1:15–23 together as a family. Fun fact: this is known as the Christ Hymn in Scripture.2. Look around the room. What do you see that will eventually break or go away? Verse 17 says Jesus holds all things together. How does it feel to know Jesus is keeping the whole world safe in His hands? Since Jesus is always real and never changes, how can we talk to Him when we feel scared or sad?3. We spend a lot of time on “virtual” things like video games, social media, or screens. How do those things compare to the permanent truth of Jesus?4. Pray this prayer together: “Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Creator and keeper of everything we see. When the world around us changes, help us remember that You are the only real, unchanging foundation for our lives. Keep our eyes fixed on You this week. Amen.”

Ever felt frustrated because life - or even God - didn't meet your expectations? In a time that often feels like everything is getting worse, Jesus gives us powerful stories to show that His Kingdom is actively growing right in the midst of the brokenness. Discover how a delayed judgment is actually proof of God's radical patience and grace for your life. Let's realign our expectations and find unshakeable hope in the living Christ together.Matthew 13:24-43The Parable of the Weeds24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”The Mustard Seed and the Leaven31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”Prophecy and Parables34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:“I will open my mouth in parables;     I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”The Parable of the Weeds Explained36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.For Adult Homes and Groups1. Read Matthew 13:24-43 together.2. When have your expectations of God clashed with reality? Share a time you did “all the right things” (prayed, read Scripture, attended church) but still faced a frustrating “weed” (lost job, a breakup, or a disappointing season).3. Are you currently focusing more on the weeds or the wheat? Is it easier for you to spot where evil and chaos are growing, or where God is quietly moving?4. How does God’s “delayed judgment” change your view of difficult people? Jesus allows the weeds and wheat to grow together to show patience. How can you extend that same radical grace to someone who opposes your faith or frustrates you?5. Pray the Lord’s Prayer out loud with each other.For Families with Kids1. Read Matthew 13:24-43. What is something you expected to be super fun, but it ended up being a bummer? Think about a rainy beach trip or a toy that broke right away. Talk about how we handle it when things do not go our way.2. If you look at the world, do you think it is getting better or getting worse? Talk about the good things God is doing (people helping each other) and the bad things we see (weeds in a garden). Why are both happening at the same time?3. Why do you think God doesn’t just zap all the bad stuff away right now? Discuss how God is being super patient because He loves people and wants to give everyone time to turn to Him and join His family.4. Pray together: “Dear Jesus, thank You for being alive and in control, even when the world feels messy. Help us to stop worrying about the bad things around us and trust that You are working. Give us patience like Yours so we can show Your love to others every day. Amen.”

What do you do when God seems silent? We all know what it's like to pray for healing, restoration, or justice and wonder if our prayers are making any difference. In Luke 18, Jesus tells a simple but powerful parable with one purpose: "Always pray and do not lose heart." Let’s explore what persistent prayer looks like in a broken world through Scripture, honest stories of both answered and unanswered prayer, and the hope we have in Christ, who entered our suffering and promises to make all things new. Whether you're celebrating God's faithfulness or struggling to keep praying, this message is for you.Luke 18:1-8The Parable of the Persistent Widow18 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”For Adult Homes and Groups1. Read Luke 18:1-8.2. What is one prayer God has answered in your life that you still remember and thank Him for?3. How do disappointment or suffering tempt us to stop praying altogether?4. The resurrection reminds us that Jesus didn’t come merely to explain suffering but to defeat it. How does the promise of the resurrection give you hope in the middle of present struggles?5. Who in your life needs persistent prayer right now? Spend a few moments sharing those requests with one another.For Families with Kids1. Read Luke 18:1-8 together as a family.2. Can you think of a time when God answered one of your prayers? How did it make you feel?3. Sometimes we pray, but the answer doesn’t come right away. Have you ever had to wait for something? Was it hard? How can we keep trusting God while we wait?4. Jesus died and came back to life so that one day sadness, sickness, and pain will be gone forever. How does that help you when you’re scared, sad, or having a hard day?5. Who is someone you can pray for this week? Take turns sharing one person or one need, and then pray together.

All of us are plagued with an identity crisis from birth: an identity of sin. This identity crisis puts us at enmity with God. Jesus Christ, however, has freed us from this identity crisis and given us an irreplaceable identity: an identity in Christ. Luke 16:19-31The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house - 28 for I have five brothers - so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”For Adult Homes and Groups1. What is the greatest gift you have received?2. Read Romans 5:12-21. What is the result of this one man’s (Adam’s) sin? How does that compare to the free gift of Christ?3. Now in our parable, Luke 16:19-31, compare the identities of the rich man and Lazarus. Where do you see the effects of Adam’s sin? And where do you see the effect of the new identity we have in Christ? 4. What will you do with the gift of a new identity in Christ?For Families with Kids1. What is the best gift you have ever received? Why was it special? 2. Read Romans 5:12-21 together. What happened when Adam disobeyed God? How did Adam’s sin affect all people?3. What did Jesus do for us that Adam could not do? What gift does Jesus give to everyone who trusts in Him?4. The Bible says God’s grace is a free gift. What does it mean that we cannot earn God’s forgiveness, but Jesus gives it to us anyway?5. When you remember that Jesus has forgiven you and loves you, how can you share His love with your family, friends, or classmates this week?

Today we continue our Upside Down Kingdom series with one of Jesus' most familiar parables - the Good Samaritan. Jesus tells this story to answer a much deeper question than, "Who is my neighbor?” Let's discover how this parable exposes our tendency to justify ourselves, reveals the surprising mercy of Christ, and invites us to see and love the neighbors God has already placed along our path.Luke 10:25-37The Parable of the Good Samaritan25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”For Adult Homes and Groups1. Reread Luke 10:25-37. Who is someone God has placed in your life that is difficult or different for you to love, and why do you think that is?2. How does the lawyer’s desire to justify himself reveal our own tendency to limit who we consider our neighbor?3. How does this parable point us to Jesus as the One who fulfilled the Law and came near to us in our helplessness?4. What is one practical way you can make room this week to love the neighbor God has already placed along your path?For Families with Kids1. Read Luke 10:25-37 as a family. Is there someone it is hard to be kind to at school, on your team, or in your neighborhood? Why?2. How has Jesus been like the Good Samaritan by loving and helping us when we needed Him?3. Who is one person you can show kindness to this week? What could you do for them?4. Why do you think God wants us to love everyone, even people who are different from us?5. How would you want someone to treat you if you were the hurt man on the side of the road?6. What are some simple ways you can be a good neighbor at home, at school, or at church this week?