Journey of Faith Messages Podcast

How can we stay hopeful when the world feels like it’s tearing itself apart? This week in our series The Road, we’ll look at wisdom given to the first-century church in Rome—a Christian community divided by culture, ethnicity, and religious tradition. We’ll see how trusting God’s good plans for the future helps us navigate the present with love, honor, and respect, even toward those we don’t understand or agree with. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before we begin, let’s take a quiet moment and pray for God’s direction of our time together. Then we’ll take a couple of minutes to go around and share where we’ve seen God at work in our lives this week. Introduction Last week, we explored how true freedom comes through Jesus, who breaks the power of sin and gives us a new identity by his Spirit. The suggested Action Steps were to: Spend time each day this week thanking God for the freedom provided for you through Jesus or patiently support someone who is groaning through their growth right now. How did that go this week? This week, we move into a part of Romans that wrestles with some difficult and timely questions. How do followers of Jesus relate to people groups, nations, governments, and those with very different convictions? In a divided world, how do we stay hopeful without becoming cynical, combative, or fearful? Connect Opening We all feel the pull to sort people into categories: safe or unsafe, right or wrong, us or them. But Paul keeps challenging that instinct. In Romans, Paul reminds his readers that God’s plan is bigger than one group, one culture, or one point of view. He is creating a family from many different people. He is still at work even when we cannot fully see or understand it. That does not remove complexity, but it does give us hope. This leads us to our Main Idea for the week: This leads us to our main idea for the week: We can have hope when our world seems irrecoverably divided. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward, discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. Read Romans 10:11–13 In this passage, Paul emphasizes that God’s mercy and salvation are offered generously to all who call on him. Read Psalm 133:1–3 In this passage, the psalmist celebrates the goodness and beauty of God’s people living together in unity. Read John 15:16 In this passage, Jesus explains that he takes the initiative in calling his followers and invites them to a life with specific results. Action Step This is where we take what we’ve discussed and put it into practice. Read the action steps below and discuss how you can live them out this week in practical ways. 1. Identify and surrender to God one cultural, ethnic, or political bias you have against a person or a people group. Ask God to reveal where pride, suspicion, fear, or contempt may be shaping your attitudes. 2. This week, genuinely seek to understand someone who sees things differently than you, and resist all-or-nothing thinking in conversation. What would it look like to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and speak with humility? As you think about these steps, what will you commit to this week? Share with the group so you can encourage and pray for one another. Closing God’s work in the world is often bigger and more mysterious than we can fully grasp. But that does not lead us to despair. It leads us to humility. As we trust God’s wisdom we can become people who resist contempt, honor others, and live with hope in a divided world. Pray Together As we wrap up, we’ll go around and invite anyone to share anything they’d like prayer for together. You can share or just pass. Also, below is a Journey of Faith Missionary we can pray for as we close. Missionary Focus Barbara Lee **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect...

Excerpt HereWhat if freedom isn’t trying harder, but belonging differently? This week, in our series called The Road, we’ll explore how Jesus offers a kind of freedom that goes deeper than behavior change—freedom rooted in a new identity and a new way of living. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you don’t even want, or wondered why growth can feel like groaning, you’re not alone. This message is for anyone tired of the scoreboard, ready to breathe again, and hungry for a life shaped by grace rather than striving. Come expecting both relief and an honest, hopeful vision of what it looks like to live free. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before we begin, let’s take a quiet moment and pray for God’s direction of our time together. Then we’ll take a couple of minutes to go around and share where we’ve seen God at work in our lives this week. Introduction Last week, we explored how faith in Jesus becomes the foundation of spiritual life and the fuel for endurance, character, and hope. How did that go this week? This week, we look at one of the great themes of Romans: freedom. Our culture often defines freedom as doing whatever we want, whenever we want. But many of us know that kind of freedom can still leave us feeling stuck, exhausted, or trapped in patterns we cannot break. Paul shows us that real freedom is found not in striving harder, but in belonging to Jesus. Connect Opening Most people want freedom, but not everyone agrees on what freedom is. Some think freedom means having no limits. Others think it means escaping consequences. But Romans offers a different vision. Paul says that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the power of sin is broken and a new life becomes possible. That does not mean growth is instant or effortless. It does mean we are no longer defined by our old chains. This leads us to our main idea for the week: Through Jesus, we can experience true freedom and a new way to live. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward, discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. Read Romans 8:1–2, 11 In this passage, Paul announces freedom from condemnation and explains that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now gives life to us. Read Psalm 130:3–5 In this passage, the psalmist reflects on sin, mercy, and the hope that comes from waiting on God. Read John 8:34–36 In this passage, Jesus describes sin and how freedom comes through faith in him. Action Step This is where we take what we’ve discussed and put it into practice. Read the action steps below and discuss how you can live them out this week in practical ways. 1. Spend time each day this week thanking God for the freedom provided for you through Jesus. What might it look like to make gratitude part of your daily rhythm this week? 2. Patiently support someone who is groaning through their growth right now. Who in your life may need your patience, encouragement, or steady presence instead of quick solutions? As you think about these steps, what will you commit to this week? Share with the group so you can encourage and pray for one another. Closing Freedom in Jesus is not pretending the struggle is gone. It is knowing that sin no longer gets the final word and that the Spirit of God is at work in us. Even when growth feels slow, we can live with hope, because we belong to Jesus and his life is shaping ours. Pray Together As we wrap up, we’ll go around and invite anyone to share anything they’d like prayer for together. You can share or just pass. Also, below is a Journey of Faith Missionary we can pray for as we close. Missionary Focus **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.: Barbara supports missionary...

Ever feel like life has turned into a scoreboard, always trying to prove you’re good enough, strong enough, or “doing it right”? This week in our series The Road, we’ll see that God’s plan for a life of faith is less about earning and more about trusting. Many of us have inherited old stories that say love and approval have to be performed for, but God offers a better story. When faith, not works, becomes the fuel, it leads to a fuller kind of life and the strength to walk with others through hard roads. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before beginning, take a quiet moment and pray for God’s direction in this together. Then take a couple of minutes to go around and share where God’s work in your lives this week. Introduction Last week, we began our series, The Road, by exploring the brokenness we all share and the grace God offers us through Jesus. We were reminded that when we get stuck in life, we can start again with God and with each other. Discuss with your group how that went this week. This week, we will be exploring how the book of Romans describes that faith changes the way we live. Many of us carry stories, pressures, or assumptions that tell us we have to prove ourselves, earn approval, or hold everything together on our own. But Paul points us to a different way. He reminds us that life with God begins and continues through faith. Connect Opening Many of us live as if our worth depends on our performance. We may not say it out loud, but we often act like acceptance must be earned. God shows us through the book of Romans gives us a different picture. Paul points to Abraham and shows that a right relationship with God has never been about religious performance. It has always been about trust. Faith is not passive. It becomes the foundation of spiritual life and the fuel for resilience, growth, and hope. This leads us to the main idea for the week: We can have an abundant life together fueled by faith Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward, discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. Read Romans 5:1–5 In these verses, Paul explains that faith in Jesus brings peace with God and helps shape endurance, character, and hope through life’s hardships. Read Psalm 46:1–3 In these verses, the psalmist describes God as a refuge and strength, especially in times of instability and trouble. Read John 6:28–29 In these verses, people ask Jesus what they need so they can do the works God requires, and Jesus points them to faith. Action Steps This is where we take what we’ve discussed and put it into practice. Read the action steps below and discuss how you can live them out this week in practical ways. 1. Reject the belief that you can earn your way to God through your good works. Where do you notice yourself drifting into performance, pressure, or self-condemnation? What would it look like to trust God instead? 2. Make yourself available to someone going through a life struggle. Faith does not just help us survive; it helps us show up for others. Who might need encouragement, prayer, or a listening ear from you this week? As you think about these steps, what will you commit to this week? Share with the group so you can encourage and pray for one another. Closing Faith is more than agreeing with ideas about God. It is learning to trust him with our lives. As we do, we discover that God meets us not only in our victories, but also in our struggles. He forms endurance, character, and hope in us, and he helps us bring that same grace to others. Pray Together Go around and invite anyone to share anything they would like prayer for. You can share or just pass. Make sure to include the Journey of Faith Missionary Focus for the week below in your prayers, as well. Missionary Focus L and K Humble **For some of our missionaries,...

Ever feel like the world is one big road jam—everyone blaming everyone else, but nothing really changes? This week we begin a series called The Road, a journey through an ancient Christian letter written to a diverse community of people from different backgrounds who shared humanity’s core problem: a kind of inner breakdown that bends us away from God and each other. The good news is that we’re not left stranded on the shoulder. God offers kindness, forgiveness, and a fresh start on our journey of faith! Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view a .docx of this guide, click here. Before we begin, let’s take a quiet moment and pray for God’s direction of our time together. Then we’ll take a couple of minutes to go around and share where we’ve seen God at work in our lives this week. Introduction Last week was Good Friday and Easter, when we reflect on and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our main idea from Easter was We can begin a new life because Jesus is alive. How did you experience new life last week? This week, we begin a new series called The Road, exploring the book of Romans. Romans was a letter written by one of Christianity’s first missionaries, named Paul. It was written to a diverse group of people who were struggling with their differences in culture, background, and beliefs. Paul reminds them that before we talk about our differences, we share something deeper in common: the brokenness of the world and our need for God’s grace. Connect Opening Most of us instinctively compare ourselves to others. We notice the ways other people fall short while assuming we’re doing relatively well, or we think we are so much worse off than others. But the message of Romans is different. Instead of dividing humanity into “good people” and “bad people,” Paul says something surprising: we are all facing the same spiritual breakdown. Every person needs God’s mercy. The good news is that God does not abandon us in our brokenness. Through Jesus, God offers forgiveness, transformation, and a new road forward. This leads us to our Main Idea for the week: When we get stuck in life, we can start again with God and with each other. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. Read Romans 3:21–24 In this passage, Paul explains that although all people fall short of God’s standards, God offers a new way of being made right through Jesus. Read Psalm 14:1–3 In the passage, the psalmist describes humanity’s tendency to turn away from God and pursue its own path. Read Mark 2:16–17 In this passage, religious leaders question why Jesus spends time with people considered sinful or morally broken. Action Steps This is where we take what we’ve discussed and put it into practice! Read the action steps below and discuss how you can live them out this week in practical ways. 1. Reflect on God’s kindness in your life. Paul teaches that it is God’s kindness that causes us to turn our lives around toward him (Romans 2:4). Where have you experienced God’s goodness or grace recently? 2. Humbly name one area of brokenness or sin in your life and be open to God’s repair. Bring it honestly before God in prayer, ask for his help, and take practical steps to make a change with God’s help. As you think about these steps, what will you commit to this week? Share with the group to encourage and pray for one another. Closing The message of Romans begins with a truth that can feel uncomfortable: none of us have it all together. But it also begins with hope. God sees our brokenness and responds not with rejection, but with mercy. Because of Jesus, we are not stuck where we are. A new road is open to us, a journey marked by grace, transformation, and life with God. Pray Together As we wrap up, we’ll go around and invite anyone to share anything they’d like prayer for...

Easter is more than just a holiday. It’s the foundation of our faith. It’s the day we celebrate that Jesus didn’t stay in the grave, but rose again, bringing forgiveness, freedom, and new life to all of us. No matter where you’re coming from or what your story looks like, this weekend is an invitation to experience hope, be reminded that you are deeply loved, and step into the life God has for you! Watch Full Service Our Groups take a spring break, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources here. The post Easter at Journey appeared first on Journey of Faith.

What if your faith was meant to be fueled by delight, not driven by duty? This week, as we finish our series on Palm Sunday, we’ll explore the ancient rhythm of celebration. We’ll see how celebration is both a response to God’s goodness and an anticipation of what He is still doing. And we’ll be invited to see that our greatest joy can be found in placing our trust in Jesus above all else. Watch Full Service Our Groups take a spring break, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources here. The post Celebrate Jesus! appeared first on Journey of Faith.

What if the key to deeper faith isn’t getting more, but giving more away? In a world shaped by scarcity, fear, and self-protection, generosity can feel risky and even countercultural. This week, we’ll explore the ancient rhythm of sharing. We’ll see how sharing our story, our spaces, and our resources opens us to deeper connection with God and with one another. Along the way, we’ll be challenged and inspired to reimagine what a truly open-handed life can look like. Watch Full Service Our Groups take a spring break, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources here. The post Learn to Share appeared first on Journey of Faith.

What if your hunger could do more than make you crave food? What if it could actually draw you closer to God? This week we’re exploring the ancient spiritual practice of fasting. As we step back from the things that usually satisfy us, we create space to notice God’s presence and grow in compassion for others. Fasting isn’t about deprivation or religious performance. It’s about reordering our hearts and learning to desire what God desires. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view a .docx of this guide, click here. Introduction Last week we explored how intentional rest can renew our bodies, souls, and relationships and encouraged one another to experiment with a weekly period of intentional body and soul rest. How did that go this week? Connect Opening Hunger can become an invitation to deeper connection with God rather than something to avoid or control. When we fast, we intentionally create space to notice our dependence on God and to pay attention to what is happening in our hearts. Sometimes fasting reveals cravings, emotions, or distractions we didn’t realize were there. Those moments can become opportunities to turn our attention back to God and allow him to shape us. This leads us to our Main Idea for this week: We can let our hunger draw us closer to God and others. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. You’ll notice this week that we’re reading one passage at a time and answering a few questions before reading another passage of scripture. Read Joel 2:12–13 In this passage, Joel speaks to the people of Israel during a time of crisis and calls them to return to God, reminding them that God is gracious and ready to forgive. Read Psalm 63:1–5 Read Acts 13:1–3 In this passage, leaders in the early church at Antioch are worshiping, praying, and fasting together when the Holy Spirit directs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. Discovery & Application This is a new reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these verses reveal and how they invite you to respond. Action Step Experiment with one simple act of biblically-based fasting this week. Examples could include: As you think of these and other ideas, what will you commit to this week? Share with the group what you plan to try so we can encourage and pray for one another. Closing Fasting is not about punishment but about making space for deeper connection with God. As we create that space, we begin to notice our dependence on Him and the deeper longings of our hearts. When we allow those moments of hunger to draw us toward God, they can also open our eyes to the needs of others. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. Missionary Focus Tim and Ericka Harris **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, Tim and Ericka provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Prayer Requests: Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week. Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. Daily Devotional Verses Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. Observation: What can...

Why do we keep pushing ourselves past our limits when God designed us to live with rhythms of rest? In a culture that never slows down, it is easy to treat exhaustion as normal, even spiritual, without realizing how much it pulls us away from the life God wants for us. This week we will explore the ancient practice of Sabbath rest. We will look at how Jesus lived with rest, how he invites us into it, and how that kind of rest can renew us and bless the people around us. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, take a slow breath together. Use this time to quiet your mind, heart and body to be open to hearing from God and each other. Introduction Last week, we looked at being more aware of God’s presence in our everyday lives and encouraged each other to takes steps to be remember that God is always present with us. How did that go this week? This week, we’ll explore the spiritual rhythm of rest. In a culture that celebrates constant activity, Jesus invites us to rediscover rhythms of renewal that help us live with greater peace and trust. Connect Opening Many of us live at a pace that leaves little room for rest. We push through exhaustion and assume that slowing down means falling behind. The Bible Scripture shows us a different way. God created us for rhythms of activity and rest that help us live more fully and remain connected to him. This leads us to our Main Idea for this week: We should enjoy regular spiritual rhythms of physical rest. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. You’ll notice this week that we’re reading one passage at a time and answering a few questions before reading another passage of scripture. Read Exodus 23:12 In this verse, we see God’s instruction to the ancient Hebrews about a weekly day of rest. Read Isaiah 30:18–21 In this passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks to people who feel pressure to keep working, especially in pursuing justice. waitingresting Read Hebrews 4:9–11 Here, the writer urges early Jewish followers of Jesus to learn that true rest comes through seeking God’s way, not through disobeying (as their ancestors did). Discovery & Application This is a new reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these verses reveal and how they invite you to respond. Action Step Experiment with a weekly period of intentional body and soul rest. This is not simply about collapsing from exhaustion or filling free time with more activity. Instead, consider choosing a small window of time where you intentionally stop striving and allow God to renew you. Here are some examples: Examples could include: As you think of these and other ideas, what will you commit to this week for rest? Closing God has built us for rhythms of work and rest. These are both gifts from God. Developing a regular rhythm of physical rest is not only good for our bodies, but also for our souls and relationships. Sabbath rest can help us grow closer to God and be more ready to love others. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. Missionary Focus Mark and Brenda Hall **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can. Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship Church. Prayer Requests: Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week. Psalm 62:1 “I wait quietly before God, for my victory...

Why does it feel so hard to be fully present? In a world that constantly scatters our attention, many of us move through our days distracted, disconnected, and spiritually depleted. But the life of Jesus shows us a different way. This week, we’ll well learn about the ancient rhythms of practicing God’s presence and prayer. We’ll see Jesus’ example or prayerful awareness invites us to greater prayerful presence in our everyday lives. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before we begin, let’s take a quiet moment together and pray, asking God to help us slow down and become more aware of his presence. Introduction Last week, we began discovering spiritual rhythms by inviting Jesus into one area of your life through regular time in God’s word. This week, we’ll be looking at how to be more prayerfully present with God. In a world that constantly pulls our attention in different directions, Jesus can show us how to live with a steady awareness of God’s presence in every moment. Connect Opening Our world moves quickly, and our attention is often scattered. Many of us live on autopilot, reacting to whatever comes next instead of being fully present. Jesus lived with a deep awareness of God’s presence, even in busy and demanding seasons, and he invites us into that same rhythm today. This leads us to our Main Idea for the Week We can connect with God by being more prayerfully present in our lives Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. Read Psalm 16:8–11 In these verses, King David, one of the most famous ancient kings of Israel, reflects on what it is like for him to live with a steady awareness of God’s presence and guidance. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Here, the Apostle Paul encourages early Christians to experience God’s presence by developing rhythms of joy, prayer, and gratitude. Read Lamentations 3:22–26 This passage was written during a season of deep grief and uncertainty. not Discovery This is a reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these passages reveal and how they invite you to respond. Action Step This week, take time daily to remind yourself that God is present with you right now. What is one specific way you plan to practice God’s presence this week? Try bringing awareness of God into ordinary moments instead of waiting for a “perfect” spiritual time. Share with your group which specific way you plan to practice God’s presence this week. Here are some examples for what it could look like: Closing Being present with God is not about escaping real life. It is about discovering that God is already present in the life you are living right now. As we grow in awareness, even ordinary moments can become places of connection with him. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. Mark and Brenda Hall **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.: Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship Church. Prayer Requests: Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week Hebrews 13:5 God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. Daily Devotional Verses Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses...

Are you living on autopilot, shaped more by the rhythms around you than the ones you choose? In a world where most habits are set for us, we often end up shaped by patterns that drain us rather than give life. This week, we’ll explore the ancient rhythm of living by Scripture. We’ll see how God’s Word brings the stability, clarity, and nourishment our souls need. And we’ll discover how inviting Jesus into even one disordered area can open the way to healthier, life-giving rhythms. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before beginning, take a quiet moment and pray for God’s direction of your time together Introduction Last week, we finished our Milestones series, and we were invited to allow our relationship with God to shape our identity and meaning in life. How did that go this week? This week, we’re talking about finding “spiritual rhythms” in our lives, like prayer, Bible reading, sharing our faith, and worship. God wants us to have these kinds of rhythms, forming us into the people God created us to be. Connect Opening We all live by rhythms – some we choose, some we inherit, and some that just seem to happen to us. Think of your calendar, when and what you eat, your bedtime, or how you manage your money. Sometimes rhythms help us become who God created us to be while others may quietly shape us in unhealthy ways. Jesus invites us into intentional rhythms rooted in God’s Word. This leads us to our Main Idea for this week We should build intentional spiritual rhythms that are rooted in God’s word. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. You’ll notice this week that we’re reading one passage at a time and answering a few questions before reading another passage of scripture. Read Joshua 1:7–9 In this passage, the importance of hearing from God is shown as Joshua is stepping into becoming the new leader of God’s people following the death of Moses. Read James 1:22–25 In this passage, James, a leader in early Christianity, writes about the importance of not just reading the Bible but doing what God says. Read Isaiah 55:10–11 This passage was written by a Hebrew prophet describing the benefit that God’s word brings to our lives. Discovery & Application This is a new reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these passages reveal and how they invite you to respond. Action Step Choose one area of your life and intentionally invite Jesus into it through regular time in God’s word this week. If you don’t have a physical Bible, Journey would love to give you one! Please stop by the Connections area at church on Sunday. You can also download the Bible App by YouVersion. We reference the NLT Bible translation at Journey of Faith. Closing We all live by rhythms, but we can choose whether those rhythms will drain us or spiritually energize us. Discovering God’s rhythms, starting with reading and applying the Bible to our lives can help us become more grounded and more alive with God. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. Missionary Focus Rich and Debbie Frazer **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.: Rich serves as the president SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International which focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and compassion. Prayer Requests: Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide...

Where is God in your spiritual life, and how do you know if you’re actually growing? We all want a faith that’s real and moving forward, but it’s easy to let our identity be shaped by busyness, success, or what others think instead of who God says we are. This week as we wrap up the Milestones series, we’ll discover how anchoring our identity in God and living out our purpose leads to steady, lifelong spiritual growth. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, spend some time together in prayer Introduction Last week, we talked about social milestones and how Jesus can help us nurture healthy relationships. This week, we are discussing the spiritual milestones of identity and purpose. Connect Opening A lot of what makes us who we are is shaped over time. We’re influenced by what we’ve learned, the roles we’ve stepped into, and the relationships that have shaped us along the way. God invites us, instead, to view ourselves through how he views us and how he calls us to live. This leads us to our main idea for this week We can discover our true self in relationship with God. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: Read 1 Corinthians 3:16 Romans 8:16 Galatians 3:26-27 Ephesians 5:1-2 Read 2 Peter 1:5-8 1 John 4:7 Ephesians 4:2 John 13:35 Action Step Cultivate one area of spiritual growth you struggle with Closing Who we are is often shaped gradually by our experiences, the expectations placed on us, and the relationships we carry with us. Without realizing it, these things can begin to define how we see ourselves. God invites us, instead, to see ourselves through his eyes, allowing that truth to shape how we live and how we grow. This week, cultivate that growth in one area of your spiritual life so we can discover our true selves in relationship with God instead of the world around us. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. Missionary Focus Rich and Debbie Frazer **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can. Rich serves as the president SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International which focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and compassion. Prayer Requests: Spend a few minutes in prayer for Rich and Debbie Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week. 2 Corinthians 3:18 “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. Daily Devotional Verses Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. Day 1: Colossians 3:16 Day 2: 1 Peter 2:2-3 Day 3: James 1:4 Day 4: Psalm 119:105 Day 5: Philippians 1:6 Day 6: Colossians 2:6-7 The post Where is God in My Spiritual Life? appeared first on Journey of Faith.

Why do some relationships feel life-giving while others leave us drained? We all want meaningful connection, yet we often fall into patterns that keep our relationships from growing in healthy ways. In this message, we’ll see how Jesus models both mutual care and healthy boundaries, showing us a better way to relate to one another. We’ll learn how small, intentional steps can strengthen our connections—not only for our own well-being, but in ways that shape our kids and the next generation toward healthier relationships as well. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, spend some time together in prayer Introduction Last week, we talked about emotional milestones and how we can work through them with God; our action step was to let God guide your responses to your stressful situations. Spend some time discussing how everyone has been able to put this into practice this week. This week, we are discussing social milestones, specifically awareness, reciprocity, ownership, and boundaries. Connect Opening We all bring different experiences and expectations into our relationships, which shape how they feel and function. Often, we carry habits, both positive and negative, that we’ve picked up along the way without even realizing it. Because of this, it can be easy to settle for connections that are one sided or inconsistent because that is what we are used to. God’s vision for our friendships, however, is that they be built on a foundation of mutual respect and individual responsibility, rather than just convenience or habit. This leads us to our main idea for this week Jesus can help us nurture healthy relationships. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: Read Colossians 3:12-14 John 15:12 Romans 12:10-13 Romans 15:2 Galatians 6:4-5 Pastor Jason, during his message on Sunday talked about the idea that most healthy relationships practice reciprocity, meaning they are mutual beneficial to each other, as well as ownership, meaning each person knows and keeps track of their own responsibilities and obligations. Action Step Choose one relationship and take a first step toward a healthier connection by practicing both reciprocity and ownership. Closing Our social health can many times be shaped by patterns we’ve learned over time in our relationships, even without realizing it. This can cause us to stick with friendships that don’t fully support or challenge us. God, however, invites us to rethink how we view our friendships to have healthier and more balanced relationships. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. Missionary Focus Mark and Lisa De Neui **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.: Mark trains church leaders and church planters. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language. Prayer Requests: Spend a few minutes in prayer for Mark and Lisa Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. Daily Devotional Verses Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? Application: What is God...

Many of us—and our kids—experience emotional highs and lows that can leave us overwhelmed, reactive, or unsure how to respond. In the first message of our new series, Milestones, we’ll see how Jesus meets us right in the heart of our emotions. We’ll learn how he can reshape our perspective, help us navigate hard moments with patience and clarity, and strengthen us to face challenges rather than run from them. Together, we’ll discover that emotional health isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning to walk with Jesus, one step at a time. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, spend some time together in prayer Introduction Last week we finished the Unafraid Series focused on how we can have a fresh start free from fear this year. We are starting a new three-week series, Milestones, where we’ll look at three key markers of a life centered on God. This week, we are discussing emotional milestones and how they shape the way we respond to life. Connect Opening The ways we respond to stress, pressure, and strong emotions are often shaped long before we realize it. Unhealthy emotional patterns can form over time, some we might be aware of, and others are so familiar to us that we rarely stop to examine them. These patterns influence how we respond to life. As we talk together, we’ll reflect on our own patterns and consider how God invites us to rely on him to transform how we react to the challenges of life. This leads us to our main idea for this week We can become emotionally healthy people Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: Read Psalm 42:5–11 Read Psalm 62:5–8 Philippians 4:6–7 Psalm 55:22 Action Step This week, ask God to guide your responses to your stressful situations Closing The way we carry stress and respond to difficult emotions doesn’t change overnight. Some habits are obvious; others are familiar enough that we barely notice them. What matters is that we don’t have to navigate those patterns on our own. As we learn to bring our reactions, worries, and pressures to God, space opens for growth, steadiness, and a healthier way forward. This week, ask God to show you the areas in your life he’s inviting you to trust him as you respond to strong emotions. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. Mark and Lisa De Neui **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.: Mark trains church leaders and church planters. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language. Prayer Requests: Spend a few minutes in prayer for Mark and Lisa Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week. Psalm 73:26 “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. Daily Devotional Verses Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. Day 1: Psalm 118:14 Day 2: Psalm 147:3 Day 3: Jeremiah 17:14 Day 4: Isaiah 41:10 Day 5: Matthew 11:28 Day 6: Isaiah...

What if God doesn’t remove your fears but meets you in the middle of them? In this last message in our UNAFRAID series, we’ll look at how Jesus wrestled with deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane and how he found strength through honest prayer and a desire for close friends. We’ll learn that God welcomes our real emotions and rather than waiting for fear to disappear, we can step forward with God’s help and the support of others. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, spend some time together in prayer Introduction Last week we talked about how we can face the fear of speaking the truth in love with Jesus’ help and the action step was to look for ways to speak up with honesty and grace. Discuss how everyone was able to implement this throughout their week. This week, we are discussing trusting God and the way he helps us through our fears. Connect Opening Sometimes the things we fear come and go, but sometimes they are very real and they stick around. God wants us to remember, however, that even when fear or worry shows up, we don’t have to face it alone. There’s a way to find a quiet strength and a sense of peace, even in the middle of things that feel uncertain or hard. Today, we’ll explore what it looks like to notice those moments, take small steps, ask for help from others, and discover the comfort and connection that God brings, even when life feels a little shaky. This leads us to our main idea for this week We can find a powerful connection with God in the midst of our fears. Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: Read 1 Peter 5:7 James 5:13-16 Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 1 Timothy 2:1 Philippians 2:1-2 During his message on Sunday, Pastor Jason talked about the story of Jesus asking his friends to ‘stay awake’ and pray with him shortly before he was going to die. Similarly, the verses we just read together describe that we should help others when we go through difficulties. Action Step This week, help someone going through a current fear in their life Closing Sometimes fear and worry come and go, and sometimes they stick around longer than we’d like. Even in those moments, we don’t have to face them alone. God is with us through it all, and even the smallest actions can remind us that connection, courage, and comfort are always within reach, even when life feels uncertain or shaky. This week, try to look for ways you can help someone else work through a current fear in their life and seek God’s comfort as well. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. D and J (For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.): D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Prayer Requests: Spend a few minutes in prayer for D and J Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization through the week. Hebrews 4:16 “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. Daily Devotional Verses Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel,...

What if the very truth we avoid is the truth that could set us free? This week we’ll look at a famous speech by Jesus where he boldly confronted hypocrisy—not to shame people, but to invite them into a deeper, more authentic life with God. We’ll learn that when we welcome His loving redirection, we find the courage to live with humility and integrity. Instead of hiding from the truth, we can embrace it and experience the freedom God offers. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide, click here. To view a .docx version of guide, click here. Before you begin, spend some time together in prayer Introduction Take some time to catch up with your group. How have everyone’s holidays and new year been so far? What are some goals everyone has this year? This week, we are talking about getting past the fear of speaking up when we know we should and how we can love others when in those conversations. Connect Opening Sometimes speaking up can feel scary, even when we know it’s the right thing to do. We might worry about how people will react, or we might just want to avoid conflict altogether. There are also times when we speak up but lack kindness and grace in our words which ends up hurting the people around us. The Bible shows us that God calls us to not only use our voice and speak up but do this lovingly, with him at the center of the conversation. This leads us to our main idea for this week With Jesus’ help we can face our fears by speaking truth in love Unpack Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: Read Proverbs 31:8-9 Ephesians 4:29-32 Colossians 3:14-17 1 John 4:7-12 Ephesians 5:1-2 Action Step Choose to prayerfully speak up with honesty, kindness, and grace. Closing Sometimes we stay quiet to avoid conflict, or we speak and it doesn’t come out the way we intended, so we end up hurting others. Either way, our words have the power to build up or tear down, and while God wants us to use our voice, he wants us to do this with love and guided by Him. This week let’s practice leaning on Him to help our words be truthful, gentle, and encouraging to the people around us. Pray Together Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group. D and J (For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.): D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Prayer Requests: Spend a few minutes in prayer for D and J Reflection Verse for the Week *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week. Ephesians 5:11 “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. Daily Devotional Verses Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. Day 1: Psalm 19:14 Day 2: Psalm 86:11 Day 3: Proverbs 13:3 Day 4: James 1:19 Day 5: Proverbs 15:23 Day 6: Ephesians 4:26 The post To Speak Up or Not Speak Up appeared first on Journey of Faith.

Have you ever feared that your mistakes have put you beyond God’s reach? This week we’ll look at the biblical story of a woman caught in failure and surrounded by judgment. And rather than condemning her, Jesus protects and forgives her. Her story reminds us that God’s love doesn’t erase the past but transforms it into a foundation for new life. Instead of fearing judgment, we can step boldly into the love that sets us free. Watch Full Service Our Groups take a seasonal break from mid-November through mid-January, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and reOur Groups take a seasonal break from mid-November through mid-January, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources here. The post Fearlessly Forgiven appeared first on Journey of Faith.

What if this year’s biggest challenges could actually shape you into the person God wants you to be? This week we start a four-week series of messages called UNAFRAID. A new year often brings the desire for a fresh start—free from fear. Yet our world keeps handing us new reasons wot worry: political tensions, financial insecurity, fractured relationships, and personal struggles. Watch Full Service Our Groups take a seasonal break from mid-November through mid-January, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and reOur Groups take a seasonal break from mid-November through mid-January, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources here. The post New Year. New Attitude. appeared first on Journey of Faith.

This Sunday at Journey of Faith is what we call Sabbath Sunday. It’s a special rhythm we practice once a year to intentionally pause, rest, and reset. Because of that, both of our physical campuses will be closed this week, but we’ll still have a full online service available for you to watch. This gives our incredible volunteers and staff a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge as we prepare for everything God has ahead for us in 2026. Whether you’re watching from your couch, gathered with family, or tuning in while traveling, we invite you to lean into a slower pace and create space for rest and reflection The post Sabbath Sunday appeared first on Journey of Faith.

In a world full of division and self-protection, how do we love people well? In the final week of Christmas in Us, we’ll look at the story of the Magi—wise travelers who responded to Jesus’ arrival with generosity and worship. Their story reminds us that love isn’t something we wait to feel—it’s something we choose to live out because of the love we’ve received from God. This Christmas, discover how Jesus invites us to clothe ourselves with love and bring healing to our relationships. Watch Full Service Our Groups take a seasonal break from mid-November through mid-January, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources anytime at journeyoffaith.com/group-resources/. The post Your Christmas “Fit Check” appeared first on Journey of Faith.