Most disciples of Jesus don’t struggle because they want to sin.  They struggle because they’re tired of feeling like a failure.

The problem isn’t that temptation exists.  The problem is what temptation does to our identity.

James 1:12-15, 23-25

• James 1:12-13 – Reframing the Problem: Temptation Is Not Failure(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
• James 1:14–15 – The Real Issue: Disordered Desire(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
• James 1:23-25 – Identity Determines Integrity(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

 

• Name the Moment Before You Need It(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
• Replace Secrecy with One Safe Conversation(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
• A “Human” Congregation(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for the goal of enriching our city and county.
• for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Sudan.
• to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
• for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
• for our military member of the week: Kevin Smith, Air Force.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: John and Sharon Goward with HCJB/Reach Beyond.
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

CHECKING IN

What’s something small that tests your self-control more than it should (impulse buys, slow internet, that one coworker, sugary snacks, etc.)?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s service?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. Why do you think many Christians feel like being tempted means they’ve already failed?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read James 1:12-15, 23-25 and then answer the questions.
   1. James says temptation itself isn’t the problem—giving in is.  How does this reframe the way you look at struggles in general and your own struggles in specific?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   2. What desires do you see underneath temptation most often in your life or culture today?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   3. How does your identity in Jesus play into our temptations and not giving in to them?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How would you describe integrity in everyday life–not just spiritually?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
3. Why do you think integrity is usually lost gradually rather than all at once?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
4. What is one predictable temptation you face regularly?  What would it look like to decide ahead of time how you want to respond?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. Do you have one person who can serve as an accountability partner for you?  If so, how does it help you?  If not, why not?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. What could change in our congregation if we became people who were honest about temptation and committed to integrity?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. What’s one small daily habit that helps you feel more connected as a couple?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. What are the names of the last new couple you’ve met at a church service?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

When you hear the word “integrity” in marriage, what does that mean to you personally?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

What is one way you can support each other when temptation or pressure shows up—rather than hiding or handling it alone?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• James 1:5 – The Lord gives wisdom for focused living.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• James 1:6-8 – When our hearts are divided, our lives are unstable.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• James 1:7-8 – The Lord’s wisdom anchors us in Him.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• James 1:22 – Our follow-through reveals our focus.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• Let Obedience, Not Emotion, Be Your Decision Filter(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Stop Overcommitting; Start God-committing(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Summit Church Will Be a Congregation Known for Faithful Follow-Through(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Praise the Lord:

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for the goal of enriching our city and county.
• for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ask the Lord:

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Yemen.
• to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
• for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
• for our military member of the week: Ian McKee, Air Force.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Jojo and Heather DeGuzman with CRU.
• for the ongoing financial provision for Summit Church.
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CHECKING IN

What’s something you started with good intentions but struggled to finish? What got in the way?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s service?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. Who is someone in your life you would describe as “faithful,” and what makes them that way?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read James 1:5-8, 22, and then answer the questions:
   1. James says God gives wisdom “generously and without reproach” (verse 5).  Why do you think we still hesitate to ask God for wisdom in real-life decisions?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   2. In verses 6–8, James describes the double-minded person as unstable.  What does “double-minded” look like in everyday life—not just spiritually, but practically?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   3. How does James 1:22 challenge the idea that faith is mainly about beliefs or intentions?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. Where do you see the greatest temptation in your life to drift from commitments—time, priorities, relationships, or spiritual disciplines?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
3. Read John 14:21.  Jesus connects love for Him with obedience to His commands.
   1. How does this passage deepen or challenge James’s call to be “doers of the word”?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   2. In what ways does love for Jesus strengthen our ability to remain faithful to our commitments when obedience is costly?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
4. During the sermon, Joel said, “A focused faith doesn’t chase feelings; it keeps its word.”  Where do emotions most often compete with obedience for you?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. What is one area right now where God may be calling you to move from hearing to doing?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. What practical step could help you stay focused this week (a boundary, a habit, accountability, prayer)?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. Where do distractions most often pull your marriage off focus (busyness, stress, finances, kids, unresolved conflict)?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How does double-mindedness show up in marriage—not necessarily as unfaithfulness, but as divided priorities or inconsistent follow-through?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

What does “being doers of the Word” look like in your marriage right now—practically, not ideally?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

What is one small, specific action you could take this week to center your marriage more intentionally on God’s character rather than convenience?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

James 1:2-4

1. A Shocking Command – verse 2(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. A Necessary Process – verse 3(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
3. A Mature Process – verse 4(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• Ask the Lord how do You want me to grow in this trial? James 1:5(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Am I asking God to remove something He’s using to mature me?  2 Corinthians 12:8-10(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Where might God be building endurance rather than delivering escape?  1 Corinthians 10:13(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for the goal of enriching our city and county.
• for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Somalia.
• to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
• for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
• for our military member of the week: Meaghan Brown, Army.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Young LIfe of Merced with Chris Winzer.
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CHECKING IN

What’s something hard you’ve done in life that, looking back, actually strengthened you in some way?
(It doesn’t have to be spiritual—or even serious.)?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s service?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. When life gets difficult, what’s your natural instinct: push through, look for a quick fix, or want to quit and regroup? Why?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read James 1:2-4 and then answer the questions:
   1. James tells believers to “consider it pure joy” when they face trials.  What does that phrase mean, and what does it not mean?  How is this different from pretending pain isn’t real?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   2. According to James, what is the purpose of trials in a believer’s life?  How does this challenge the idea that hardship means God is distant or displeased?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   3. What stands out to you about the phrase “let perseverance finish its work”?  Why do you think we’re often tempted to interrupt that work?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. When you think about “staying the course no matter what,” what kinds of pressures most often pull you off course—discouragement, fear, fatigue, unanswered prayers, something else?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
3. How is Christian joy different from happiness?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
4. Can you think of a season where the Lord used struggle to deepen your faith or maturity? What changed in you because of it?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
5. Why is perseverance so closely tied to spiritual formation rather than just endurance or willpower?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. This series is about “faithful obedience in the same direction.” What does it look like to keep walking toward Jesus when circumstances make you want to stop or turn around?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How does reliance on the Holy Spirit—rather than self-effort—change the way we endure hardship?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

What does it look like for a couple to walk “in the same direction” toward Jesus, even when you’re not always at the same spiritual pace?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. James talks about trials producing perseverance. What kinds of shared trials most commonly test marriages (stress, finances, health, parenting, conflict, time)?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How does viewing challenges as something God can use—rather than something to simply escape—change the way a couple faces them together?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

What is one small, intentional step you can take this week to remain devoted—praying together, speaking encouragement, extending grace, or simply listening better?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

The State of the Congregation

• Summit Church is a Unified Congregation(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
• But here’s an uncomfortable truth: not every question builds up, and not every concern comes from faith.(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
• Unity is a Gospel issue.(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Galatians 3:26-39 – Unified by Salvation(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ephesians 4:1-6 – Glued Together by Cooperation(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

1 Peter 2:9-10(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Theological Priorities(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• Primary (Tier 1) – Mainly regarding the Gospel(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Secondary (Tier 2) – Mainly regarding the congregation(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Tertiary (Tier 3) – Mainly regarding non-critical matters of faith(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Are you choosing unity over your preferences?

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for the goal of enriching our city and county.
• for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in North Korea.
• to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
• for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
• for our military member of the week: Jaxson Ingraham, Navy.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Joe and Ana Levesque with Village Missions
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CHECKING IN

Do you have any hopes or goals for your time with our Small Group this session?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s service?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How would you describe unity in a general sense?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read the following Scripture passages, and then answer the questions:
   1. According to Galatians 3:26-29, what is the primary source of our unity as disciples of Jesus?  What differences does Paul intentionally downplay here?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   2. What are some ways we elevate difference in opinion or preference to a primary source of unity?
2. Read Ephesians 4:1-6.
   1. Paul lists humility, gentleness, patience, and love as essential to unity.  Which of these do you find hardest to practice when conflict arises—and why?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   2. We’re told to “make every effort” to maintain unity.  What effort does unity actually require from us in real life?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
   3. What is the difference between addressing real concerns biblically and grumbling or complaining sinfully?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
3. Going back to the chart from the message, why is it important to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary issues?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. Have you ever elevated secondary and tertiary issues to primary?  What are the consequences of those actions?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How do you resolve that for the future?  How can you personally be a protector of unity rather than a consumer of preferences?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

What are some differences between you and your spouse?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. How does our shared identity in Christ shape the way we treat our spouse—especially during disagreement?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. What does it look like for a husband and wife to “make every effort” to preserve unity during conflict?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. How does complaining about our spouse—especially to others—damage trust and unity?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. What is one concrete step you can take this week to pursue unity with your spouse?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Being Ignored

Acts 1:8 – We need the Spirit’s power.

1 Corinthians 3:16 – We host the Spirit’s presence.

Psalm 51:10 – We depend on the Spirit’s renewal.

Galatians 5:22-23 – We display the Spirit’s fruit.

• Ask the Holy Spirit for More for Summit Church
• Invite the Holy Spirit to Ignite Your Stall
• Walk in the Holy Spirit

Praise the Lord:

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for the goal of enriching our city and county.
• for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ask the Lord:

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Nepal.
• to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
• for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
• for our military member of the week: Jake Jung, Army.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Merced Rescue Mission with Dr. Bruce Metcalf, Executive Director.
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

This is a sample of our Discussion Guide used by our
“Sermon-Based Small Groups

CHECKING IN

Can you think of a time when you tried to do something important with sufficient power (physically, emotionally, or spiritually)?  What happened?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s message?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. When you hear the phrase “The Holy Spirit,” what emotions or assumptions come to mind–excitement, confusion, caution, curiosity? Why do you think that is?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read the following Scripture passages, and then answer the questions:

1. In Acts 1:8, Jesus ties power from the Holy Spirit directly to mission?  Why do you think He chose power, and not strategy, talent, or personality, as fuel for His Church?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. We see in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Church. How does that change our view of our gatherings, leadership decisions, and personal holiness?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
3. Read Psalm 51:10. David prays for renewal, not replacement.  How can we learn from this example?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
4. Why do you think Paul uses the language of “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23 as something that grows rather than something we instantly achieve?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

What’s the difference between asking the Holy Spirit to help rather than surrendering to what He wants to do? How does this change how we live?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Addendum: Marriage Groups

CONVERSATION

In what ways do couples tend to rely on techniques (communication tools, schedules, routines) more than the power of the Holy Spirit in their marriage?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. Where have you seen “yesterday’s power” show up in your marriage—old habits, old assumptions, or old ways of handling conflict?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. Looking at Galatians 5:22–23, which fruit of the Spirit would most strengthen your marriage right now?  Why?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. How would your marriage look different a year from now if the Holy Spirit truly powered it rather than just assisted it?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How can your marriage become a visible witness of Acts 1:8 power to your family, small group, and church?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

The Church Needs Families

• Families reflect Christ’s Love – Ephesians 5:21-27(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Families are the first form of discipleship – Deuteronomy 6:6-9(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Families secure a spiritual legacy – Proverbs 17:6(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• Invest in your home as a place of discipleship –  Deuteronomy 4:9, Colossians 3:21(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Live visibly for Christ in marriage and parenting – Matthew 5:16, Colossians 1:10(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Encourage and support families in the church –  Ephesians 4:11-13(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for the goal of enriching our city and county.
• for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Benin.
• to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
• for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
• for our military member of the week: Kyle Tarbell, Army.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) (Annette Macia, Executive Director).
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

This is a sample of the Discussion Guide for our Sermon-Based Small Groups

CHECKING IN

Growing up, what is one positive family rhythm or habit that shaped you—for better or worse?”(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONVERSATION

1. What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s message?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. When you hear the phrase “healthy family,” what images or assumptions come to mind?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read the following Scripture passages, and then answer the questions:
   1. Recalling Genesis 1 presents family as part of God’s blessing, not a burden. How does that challenge or affirm how our culture talks about family?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   2. We see in Psalm 127 that children are a heritage, not a project.  How does that shift the way parents approach success, discipline, or expectations?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
   3. Read Psalm 78.  The emphasis is telling the next generation.  What makes passing on faith feel intimidating today?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. Why do you think we often confuse “healthy” with “perfect” when it comes to families?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How do family struggles—marriage tension, parenting stress, loneliness—affect the health of a church, even when they’re hidden?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Addendum: Marriage Groups

CONVERSATION

What does it practically look like for Jesus—not schedules, kids, or stress—to be at the center of our marriage right now?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONSIDERATION

1. How have grace and forgiveness strengthened your marriage more than trying to fix each other ever has?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How can husbands and wives encourage each other spiritually without it feeling forced or performance-based?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

CONNECTION

1. When tension rises, what patterns tend to show up in your marriage—and what might mutual submission look like in that moment?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. What would it look like for this group to model marriages marked by humility, honesty, and grace?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Leadership in a Congregation

• Congregations need leaders, as all other organizations do.
• Have you ever stopped to think about why a congregation needs people in leadership positions?
• But leadership in a congregation has its risks.
• As Steve Jobs famously said, “If you want to be liked, don’t be a leader; go sell ice cream.”

1. Jesus redefines leadership – Matthew 20:25-28 and 2 Corinthians 4:5(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

   1. Matthew 20:25-28(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
   2. 2 Corinthians 4:5(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

2. Leadership isn’t about position, but purpose – Mark 10:45 and John 13:14-15(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

   1. Mark 10:45(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
   2. John 13:14-15(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

3. Scripture’s call for willing, joyful submission – Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

   1. Hebrews 13:17(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
   2. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

• When everyone leads, no one is led. When no one is led, the church goes nowhere.
• Notice one way your ministry leader serves quietly—and thank them.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• When a leader asks for help, assume they’re trying to build you, not boss you.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Support your leaders publicly; offer correction privately.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Commit to one leader you will intentionally support, pray for, and encourage.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Indonesia.
• for protection and blessing for our military member of the week: Kyle Tarbell, Army.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Love INC (In the Name of Christ) and Annette Macias, Executive Director.
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

1. How is leadership in a congregation alike and unlike leadership in most workplaces?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. If you’re in leadership in our congregation, are you leading well? If you’re not in leadership in our congregation, are you following well?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Luke 2:22-40(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Simeon(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Anna(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Jesus Came for Our Redemption(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

As Summit Church, Let us Never Fail to Point People to the Cross(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Uganda.
• for protection and blessing for our military member of the week: Jeff Miller, Army.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Viola Anderson with Hope Steps Now.
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

1. Does your family have any after-Christmas traditions?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. How have you opposed and praised Jesus in your own life with your actions?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Luke 3:1-18

• Luke 3:3-9 – Clear the Path(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Luke 3:10-14 – Change Your Practice(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Luke 3:15-18 – Charge Your Expectation(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• Prepare by Clearing Out What’s Blocking the Lord’s Work(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Prepare by Producing Fruit, Not Excuses(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Prepare by Living Your Faith Publicly and Practically(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Jordan.
• for protection and blessing for our military member of the week: Christine Londono, Army.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Deidox Media Missionaries (Brent and Danielle Gudgel).
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

1. What’s the difference between believing the Lord and obeying the Lord?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. What is one thing you can do to prepare for the arrival of Jesus?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Romans 13:11 – Joy Begins with Awakening(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• “Now is the time to wake from sleep”
• Joy comes when we are spiritually alert, not drifting off disengaged.

Romans 13:12 – Joy is Rooted in Hopeful Anticipation(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• “The night has far gone; the day is at hand”(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
• Joy flows from hope–darkness does not have the final word.

Romans 13:13 – Joy is Found in a Changed Life(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• “Walk properly as in the daytime”
• Living openly before God and others brings freedom, not fear.

Romans 13:14 – Joy Begins with Awakening(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

• “Make no provision for the flesh”
• Joy grows when we remove what fuels temptation and replace it with Christ-centered living.

Praise the Lord

• for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
• for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
• for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
• What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Ask the Lord

• to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Vietnam.
• for protection and blessing for our military member of the week: Drew Kollman, Navy.
• for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: Central Valley Broadcast (KAMB).
• What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

1. How can we rejoice for promises that haven’t been fulfilled yet?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
2. Why is it so important to remember the historical reality of the Christmas story and the waiting that happened beforehand?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)