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SACRIFICE IN SORROW
When Serving Costs You
Dr. Jessica Fernandez, Lead Associate Pastor
October 20, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #sacrificeinsorrow #whenservingcostsyou #sacrifice #sorrow #serving #serve #cost

https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

We will explore the story of the Widow of Zarephath, a woman who faced overwhelming grief and hopelessness. Preparing for what she believed would be her last meal with her son, she was asked by the prophet Elijah to sacrifice what little she had left to serve him first. This act of sacrificial service in the midst of her sorrow came at a cost—but it was through this sacrifice that she encountered God’s miraculous provision and hope.

When we serve others during our seasons of grief, it often feels like it costs us more than we can bear—our comfort, energy, and what little hope remains. Yet, as we’ll see in this story, it is in these moments of sacrificial service that God meets us, sustains us, and provides for us in ways we could never imagine.

This sermon will challenge us to reflect on how God might be calling us to serve, even when it costs us something. When we choose to offer Him the little we have, even in our sorrow, He is faithful to meet our needs and restore our hope.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In what ways do you relate to the widow’s sense of emptiness or lack? How does her story encourage you to trust God?

2. What are some areas in your life where you feel like you have nothing left to give? How might God be asking you to serve despite your lack?

3. How does sacrificial service bring about healing, both for the person serving and those being served? Have you experienced this in your own life?

4. What are some practical ways you can step into serving others, even in a season of grief or sorrow?

How can we encourage each other as a church community to trust God and serve faithfully, especially in difficult times?

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THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE
Fruit-Full – Part 4
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
October 13, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofpatience #patience https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

Few things put our faith to the test like having to wait. We wait to hear the results of a biopsy. We grow impatient with our children. Will they ever learn responsibility and grow up? We are in a relationship with someone with no desire to commit and our patience is all but gone. In practically every area of life, we desperately need more patience. If you’d like more patience but don’t know how to get it, that’s what this message is all about.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In what ways were you challenged or encouraged by today’s message?

2. God is slow to heat up and slow to react – which is what patience is all about. What did you learn about God that makes Him so patient? Why do people often think of God in the opposite terms, given to snap judgments, quick to mete out punishment, and even arbitrarily bringing devastation? Some people today even say the same sort of things when natural disasters strike. How would you answer such a person? Do you think that type of thinking is consistent with God as He is revealed in Scripture?

3. When it comes to things that try our patience, Pastor Keith pointed out the three dominant areas as;

• Waiting – The question is “How long?”

• Suffering – The question is, “Why?”

• People – The question is, “How in the world?”

Have any of these been challenging for you? How and in what ways? What are you learning that might help you better cope with the things that try your patience?

4. It’s tempting to get off in the future trying to solve any anticipated problems with today’s resources. But that makes life difficult because you lack the needed resources to deal with tomorrow’s problems. God gives strength for today. The challenge is to remain in the present moment with God. Why is it so difficult to be off in the future? How can you remain centered on God and live in the present moment?

5. Often times we find the present difficult and lose our patience because we don’t see or understand the bigger picture of what is happening or why it may be happening. Because God loves and because God has a different experience of time than us, how does that help us maintain a more balanced view of what is happening and what might be happening?

6. Take some time to re-read the following passage:

The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near… We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. James 5.7-8, 11

In this verse, James talks about what the farmer must do in order for them to see a harvest. For the things that are beyond their control, James advocates for patience. For the things within their control, He advocates for

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THE FRUIT OF PEACE
Fruit-Full – Part 3
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
October 6, 2024

Who couldn’t use a little more peace in their life, am I right? When our marriages are strained or the kids are more than we can handle or office politics makes going to work draining, how do you find peace in the chaos? Sometimes, the way we go about trying to obtain peace practically guarantees we will never experience peace. This weekend, Pastor Keith will show us God’s peace and how it can be yours.

#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofpeace #peace
https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Shalom, the Jewish idea of peace, is so much bigger than individual peace. Fundamentally, it’s about a society that flourishes because it is functions as God intended. Why do we reduce big concepts like shalom down to small applications that are only about our personal experience with shalom? In what other ways do we do this to Scripture?

2. Take some time as a group to go back over the differences between the God of peace, the peace of God and peace with God. Have you ever experienced the peace of God in the midst of chaos? If so, what was the situation you found yourself in and describe what the peace of God was like for you. Pastor Keith shared the illustration of the Sawi people of New Guinea and the breakthrough the Richardsons made after watching the exchange of the peace child to end hostilities. How does this story parallel the gospel story of God offering His Son to us?

3. Many settle for pseudo-peace – truces – stalemates – swallowing differences – cold wars. Why do people prefer what is not peace to what actually is? Why is peacemaking such a challenging thing to do? What have been your experiences in this arena with friends? Children? Co-workers? Issues in society?

4. There’s a huge difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking. Can you describe examples of peacekeeping? Have you ever done that yourself? There’s also a big difference between peacemaking and peace-achieving? Why is peace sometimes beyond our grasp?

5. Why do you think peacemaking is so important in the plan of God for our lives? If peacemaking is so vitally important to God, why don’t we see more of it manifested among His followers?

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THE FRUIT OF JOY
Fruit-Full | Part 2
Springcreek Church | Pastor Keith Stewart
September 29, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofjoy #joy #habits #attitudes
https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

One of the best arguments for Christianity is Christians when they are seen as people full of joy. And one of the best arguments against Christianity is Christians when they are seen as self-righteous, smug and angry all the time. As we continue to examine the fruit of the Spirit, this week we want to dive deeply into the fountain of joy. In this message, we're going to see God for Who He really is (the most Joyful Being in the universe). We're going to look at the habits and attitudes that rob us of our joy and learn how to have a joy that is impervious to adverse circumstances.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Pastor Keith talked about how God is the most Joyful Being in the universe. He gave several examples of this. What other examples can you see, whether practical or in Scripture, of the joy of God? Would you say that the way you see God (your God image) has always incorporated His joy? Why or why not? Are there things about the way you see God that might need healing or correction?

2. How is joy different from happiness? What are the limitations of happiness? Have you ever gotten trapped in a cycle of searching for happiness highs? Describe what that was like.

3. The word joy and rejoice are interrelated words. Joy is derived from being with God and allowing His Spirit to fill our lives and rejoice is something we train ourselves to do repeatedly in life – to return to the source of joy (God Himself). In what ways do we drift from God? How does being in pain or facing adversity shift our focus from God and onto something else? Has this ever happened to you? If you’re willing, share it with the group.

4. Legalism is a surefire way to rob you of joy because with legalism, I don’t feel assured that Christ is enough. Instead I feel compelled to add something to His completed work. So with legalism, it’s always Jesus + something else. Why does legalism rob us of joy? Have you ever known or been a legalist? Pastor Keith talked about having a great week with God followed by a terrible week then asked the question, “Which week did God love you more?” If you felt He loved you more when everything was going right, it’s an indicator that there is some remnant of legalism still holding onto you. On what basis do we know that God’s love is constant and unchanging? Cite Scriptures if you know any that would back up your claim.

5. Gratitude is one of the surest signs of joy. I find such contentment in God and know how He takes delight in me, that I become consciously aware that the evidence of His delight is all around me even when nothing is going right. Have you ever tried the 30-day Gratitude Experiment? How much is gratitude a part of your intentional daily routine?

6. Paul gives us a powerful example of how God worked through his imprisonment in the book of Philippians. So even in the midst of adversity, Paul maintains a type of unshakable joy. In fact, his joy is so great, that it literally becomes the theme of the book of Philippians. How was God at work in Paul’s imprisonment? How has God worked in your life during times of illness, pain, adversity or persecution? Sometimes, we can’t see all that God is doing in the moment, but in retrospect, everything becomes clear. Are there things in your past that you went through that were extremely difficult, but now in looking back, you can clearly see the hand of God? What was that?

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THE FRUIT OF LOVE
Fruit-Full | Part 1
Springcreek Church | Pastor Keith Stewart
September 22, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitoflove #love #character #Christ #spiritualdisciplines
https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

This Sunday, we begin exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. These nine character qualities are a reflection of Christ Himself. The more yielded we are to the Spirit, the more others see the this fruit or evidence of His presence in us. In a sense, the first virtue, love, is more than just another dimension to the fruit of the Spirit. It represents the virtue that binds all the others together. Each of them is somehow an expression of love. Come and join us this weekend as Pastor Keith teaches us not just the importance of the fruit of the Spirit but how to begin manifesting them in your life.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. We have two natures within us – what the Bible calls “the flesh” or our baser nature and a new nature made alive by the Spirit. The key to defeating the flesh is by living by the Spirit. Sadly, many people try to live the spiritual life in reverse. They try to defeat the flesh so they can live by the spirit. But that doesn’t work. Why? What stood out to you in today’s message that maybe you hadn’t considered before or illustrated for you how walking in the Spirit helps to defeat the flesh?

2. Spend some time talking about the cycle of self improvement (the chart that Pastor Keith shared). The four stages are; Try Harder, Fatigue, Quit, Guilt. Have you ever experienced this before? What was the area where you struggled? Have you broken free of this pattern? What helped you to break free?

3. In this message, we were reminded that we are only as mature as our most immature fruit. So in reading Galatians 5.22-23, of these nine virtues that reflect the character of Christ, where are you strongest and where are you weakest (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)? It’s important to remember that wherever we discover immature fruit, it reflects a failure to trust Christ in that area. As you apply that thought to your weakest virtue, how might God be trying to grow you? What wounding might exist in that area that still needs healing? Or what cultural way of thinking gets in the way of fully submitting to Christ in this way?

4. Scripture clearly teaches that being filled with the Spirit is not a one time event but a daily event. Ephesians 5.18 in the original language doesn’t say “be filled” (past tense) with the Spirit, but “be being filled” (present, linear tense). The process of yielded to the Spirit’s filling and control is a decision we make every day. And the best way is related to the four commands regarding the Holy Spirit.

Live by the Spirit (Galatians 5.16), Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5.18), Do not grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4.30), Do not quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5.19)

To live by and be filled with the Spirit, we must never grieve or quench Him. Which means being obedient to His leadership and promptings. Have you ever felt led by the Spirit to do or say something? What was it? What happened? How did it work out?

5. Why do we elevate gifting over fruitfulness?

6. Love is the one virtue that bonds all the other fruit together. How and in what ways have you seen God’s love put on display through your life?

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A CHURCH ON THE MOVE
Springcreek Church | Jerrid Fletcher, Lead Associate Pastor
September 15, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #achurchonthemove #church #churchonthemove #handsandfeet #Jesus #faithingod #faith

In this dynamic sermon, we explore what it truly means to be a "Church on the Move." Far from being stagnant or confined within four walls, the church is called to be active, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of the world around it. Through biblical examples and real-life applications, we'll examine how God is calling us to step out in faith, embrace change, and impact our communities in transformative ways. Whether through missions, outreach, or simply living out our faith in daily life, this message will inspire and challenge us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, always ready to move where He leads.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Personal Impact of Music: How has music impacted your personal faith journey or experiences within your community? Can you share a song that resonates deeply with you and why it holds significance?

2. Understanding Church Hurt: What are some ways we can address and heal from "church hurt" in our own lives and within our church community? How can we create an environment that fosters trust and acceptance?

3. Going to Church vs. Being the Church: Reflecting on the distinction between "going to church" and "being the church," what practical steps can we take in our daily lives to embody the mission of the church outside of Sunday services?

4. Community Engagement: In what ways can our church community better serve those in need, particularly those who may not feel comfortable entering a church? What outreach initiatives do you think would be most effective in connecting with and supporting these individuals?

5. Living Out the Great Commission: How can we as individuals actively participate in the Great Commission in our daily lives? What opportunities do you see in your workplace, school, or neighborhood to share your faith or support others on their spiritual journeys?

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LIVING THE MICAH MANDATE
Kingdom Politics – Part 3
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
September 8, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #kingdompolitics #kingdom #politics #livingthemicahmandate #micahmandate #actjustly #lovemercy #walkhumbly

https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

The prophet Micah perfectly summarized what God expects of us, “…and what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6.8). These words are then repeated by Jesus Himself in Matthew 23.23. As we wrap up Kingdom Politics, this final message shows us how God plans to use us to change the world.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. The three parts of the Micah Mandate are to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. Which of the three is most developed in your life? Which of the three is underdeveloped in your life? Why are these three qualities the unique marks of God’s kids? Why is there an absence of these qualities in the world today?

2. Pastor Keith mentioned the most common sociological groupings in the Bible and they are as follows: the poor, the orphan, the widow and the immigrant. What do these various groups have in common? Why is God so concerned with them? Why does God see the treatment of these groups of people as an indicator of the justice or injustice of society? Take a few moments to reflect on Dr. Timothy Keller’s statement, “If you aren’t intensely concerned for the quartet of the vulnerable... it’s a sign your heart is not right with God.”

3. One of the more frequent objections to belief in God is the abundance of suffering in this world that He doesn’t seem to do anything about. But Scripture makes clear that the primary way God extends compassion and help to those who suffer is through His people. If we fail to do our part, it’s God’s reputation that takes the hit. Where has God moved you in the past or present to be involved with others who are hurting, suffering or neglected? What was that experience like for you? What difference did it make in those you helped?

4. We live in a very violent world. But Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, countered conventional thinking by insisting that His followers not mirror the evil of society. How does this teaching challenge you? Why does it seem practically foreign even to Christians today? Is it possible to live in this broken world without returning violence for violence (like what Dr. King modelled in the quest for civil rights)?

5. What does it mean to be a third way people? Why are we so prone to reducing every problem or issue down to just one of two choices? What does it mean to be above the system (in other words, not so caught up in partisanship that you can see other possibilities or choices that neither party can see)? Do you ever find yourself thinking, “I don’t agree with either party on this issue”? If so, have you ever dared to envision a third way of addressing the problem or issue that was not being reflected in the public debate? If so, what was it? How did you see the issue differently? How does our unique Christian perspective and ethic change the way we engage in politics?

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OUR TRUE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
Kingdom Politics – Part 2
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
September 1, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #kingdompolitics #kingdom #politics #commanderinchief #jesus #christ #citizens #hope

https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

As Christ followers, the Bible teaches us to see ourselves differently from our fellow citizens. Wherever we reside and whatever the form of government we live under, believers see themselves first and foremost as citizens of another kingdom – the kingdom of God. This is a fundamental building block in our political perspective. If we lose this perspective, we lose hope and accommodate ourselves to the brokenness of this fallen world. But with it, we remain hopeful regardless of the political climate.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. The Kingdom of God is the very antithesis of the kingdoms of this world. In what ways is the Kingdom of God different fr