As we begin 2025, join us in 40 Days of Prayer for ourselves, our church, and the world as we: Encounter Jesus, are Deeply Formed, are Better Together and Sent to Bless.
Our Sunday sermon series will be focused on these 40 Days of Prayer.
During each week, we will share resources for your own prayer journey during this time as well as gather on Wednesday nights for Prayer and Worship.
Check back for more 40 Days of Prayer Resources and devotional series.
Please share any prayer requests you may have at the bottom of this page.
During each week, we will share resources for your own prayer journey during this time as well as gather on Wednesday nights for Prayer and Worship.
Check back for more 40 Days of Prayer Resources and devotional series.
Please share any prayer requests you may have at the bottom of this page.
Encounter Jesus: Week 1 Resources
These are resources and guides that were shared during the January 6 sermon on Encounter Jesus.
Bible Reading Plans
- YouVersion Bible App: daily and yearly reading plans
- Mission119.org - guided journey through the Bible
- The Bible Recap: thebiblerecap.com - podcast and reading plan
- Bible in a Year by Alpha: bible.alpha.org - walks you through scripture daily
Testing What We Hear
How can we know it's truly God speaking?
- Affirming: Does the word strengthen, encourage, or comfort? (1 Corinthians 14:3)
- Biblical: Does it align with scripture? God's Rhema word will never contradict His Logos.
- Christ-Centered: Does it draw you closer to Jesus and help you take your next steps toward Him.
Understanding Scripture
- Consecrate in Prayer: Begin with humility and surrender, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you and illuminate His Word.
- Context is Crucial: Dive into the historical and cultural background. Why was this written? Who was the author addressing.
- Consider How It's Written: Identify the purpose, literary style, and key language. What was the author's intent?
- Compare with Scripture: Let Scripture interpret Scripture. Consider how the passage fits into the chapter, the book, and the grand narrative of the Bible.
- Community Matters: Study in groups, learn from church history, and engage with trusted biblical scholars for a higher understanding.
Deeply Formed: Week 2 Resources
These are Deeply Formed rhythms that were shared during the January 12 sermon.
Teaching
Allowing God’s Word to shape our lives.
Practices
Cultivating rhythms that align with His will.
Community
Growing together with other believers.
The Holy Spirit
Depending on His power to transform us
Suffering
Embracing trials as opportunities for growth.
Time
Trusting the slow and steady work of God.
Better Together: Week 3 Resources
These are Better Together Principles that were shared during the January 19 sermon.
7 Marks of the Family of Jesus
Based on Acts 2:42-47, these are seven descriptions of the family of Jesus.
- Teaching and Prayer: centered on Jesus.
- Celebration: worshiping together.
- Bearing Burdens: caring for one another.
- Confession: confessing sins to one another.
- Hospitality: both in their homes and in their hearts.
- Eating together: breaking bread in communion and also meals.
- Generosity: giving like Jesus.
4 Circles of Relationships
These are the 4 spaces of relationships where we form relationships that influence our spiritual lives and where transformation takes place.
- Public Space: the tribe (70-150 people) collective worship and teaching like a Sunday worship service.
- Social Space: the village (25-75 people) relationships are stronger than the public space where together we support one another, serve alongside each other, and experience community on mission.
- Personal Space: friends (10-15 people) the space where we form our closest friendships. We share more deeply, we hold each other accountable, and we do life together.
- Intimate Space: (3-10 people) This is where we allow ourselves to be most vulnerable. It’s just a few people who know us fully—the people we share our deepest fears, hopes, and struggles with. Transformation thrives in the most intimate spaces of our closest community.
3 Characteristics of Deep relationships in the Intimate Space
Deep relationships share common traits:
- Depth: it requires time and intention
- Vulnerability: being honest, open, and to listen to one another. This is where we confess, pray, and receive healing.
- Commitment to transformation: where we choose to engage deeply in these smaller spaces, committing to the process of growing together and with Jesus.
Sent to Bless: Week 4 Resources
These are guides that were shared during the January 26 sermon on Sent to Bless.
Do What Jesus Did
- Create space for the Gospel: a posture of welcome, building bridges around the table.
- Proclaim the Good News: live an invitational life that connects people’s stories with God’s story.
- Demonstrate the Gospel: through justice and compassion.
Sent to B.L.E.S.S.
- B: be in prayer - I will pray for my neighbors and the places I am called to bless.
- L: listen - I will listen to my neighbors and the Holy Spirit to discover how God is working.
- E: enjoy experiences - I will enjoy and share life-giving experiences with my neighbors.
- S: serve - I will respond to the needs of my neighbors and serve them in practical and helpful ways.
- S: story - I will share with my neighbors the story of Jesus and what He is doing in my life.