Have you ever had the quiet thought, "I don't think the life I'm living is working the way I hoped?" It can be hard to admit especially when everything looks fine on the surface. You're busy and successful. You're raising a family or enjoying retirement. You may even be serving others or checking all the right boxes in life. Yet underneath it all, there's still a sense that something is missing.
join us on this brand new 8-week series called What is Real? We live in a world full of substitutes, these artificial things that can imitate life, but they can never produce it. Unknowingly this lifestyle causes us to settle for temporary fixes, surface level faith, endless distractions, and things that promise satisfaction but quietly leave our souls running dry. Jesus offers something different when He shared with His disciples, "I am the way and the truth and the life." John 14:6a
Throughout this series, we'll discover what it means to experience the real-life Jesus came to give. Rather than simply criticizing the culture around us, we'll uncover the deeper ache beneath it and rediscover the only source that truly satisfies. Exploring topics such as real strength, real intimacy, real purpose, real peace, real greatness, real presence, and real discipleship.
Whether you've followed Jesus for decades, you're wrestling with questions, or you're simply longing for something more and not sure where to start, we believe this series will encourage and inspire you. This weekend we'll begin with one simple but life changing question. “What is real life?” We hope you'll join us and invite a friend as we learn for the first time or remember together the “Real Life" that can only be found in Jesus.
-
Scripture: Joshua 14:6-15 | Mark 12:28-34
Reflection Questions:
Who are your heroes of the faith in the Bible, and why?
We have only a brief biography of Caleb in the Old Testament. What made him different from the other heads of the tribes that were to spy out the land? What animated him with courage and purpose? (See Numbers 13:30,14:5-9,24 and Joshua 14:8)
Can you say that you have a grand overarching purpose for your life and is it one that can be directly connected to God in your life?
If you are in the second half of life, would you say your purpose for living has changed between the first half and the second?
The world's values are often success, wealth, prestige, and power. If someone close to you were to speak at your funeral, what would they say your real values are?
-
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 | Matthew 19:3-9
Reflection Questions:
Our culture often defines intimacy as physical attraction or sexual fulfillment. Jesus points us toward something much deeper. When have you experienced the joy of being fully known, deeply loved, and completely accepted? What made that relationship different?
Counterfeit intimacy isn't limited to pornography, it can include hiding behind work, social media, fantasy, busyness, emotional distance, or anything that promises connection without vulnerability. What "substitute" are you most tempted to run to when you feel lonely, stressed, rejected, or overwhelmed?
From Adam and Eve hiding in the garden to our own lives today, shame often convinces us that we're better off hiding than being honest. Why do you think confession and vulnerability are so difficult? What helps create a safe place where people can bring their struggles into the light?
Paul reminds us that our identity is found in Christ, not in our failures. How would your relationships and focus on life change if you truly believed you were already fully known and fully loved by Jesus?
One of the beautiful truths of the Gospel is that the grace we receive becomes the grace we extend. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement, forgiveness, or simply a safe person to talk with? How might God be inviting you to reflect the grace He has shown you?
-
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7 | Matthew 16:21-28
Reflection Questions:
Our culture often encourages us to hide weakness and project confidence. What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to admit your need for God's grace or the help of others?
Paul describes the Christian life through the images of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Which one resonates most with your current season, and why? A soldier learning endurance through hardship? An athlete growing through discipline and submission? Or a farmer faithfully waiting for fruit that has not yet appeared?
Looking back, can you identify a season of suffering, disappointment, or weakness that God later used to strengthen your faith or prepare you to encourage someone else?
Paul reminds Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." What would it look like this week to rely less on your own abilities and more on Christ's grace?
-
Scripture: Jeremiah 2:5-13 | John 14:1-7
Reflection Questions
Jeremiah describes God's people as trading the "spring of living water" for broken cisterns. Looking at your own life, where are you most tempted to look for satisfaction, comfort, or meaning apart from Jesus?
The message suggests that many of us spend our days distracted, constantly consuming information but rarely slowing down enough to experience God's presence. What habits or rhythms are shaping your heart most right now? Are they leading you closer to Jesus or simply keeping you busy?
Author Arthur Brooks contrasts two very different ways of living. Without answering too quickly, which formula most closely describes how you've been living lately? Where do you sense God inviting you to repent and reorder your loves?
What is one intentional change you could make to reconnect with the true Source of life? It might be beginning your morning in Scripture before reaching for your phone, sharing a device-free meal with your family, spending time in prayer or silence, or simply making space to notice someone God has placed in front of you. What step is God inviting you to take?
Ultimately, what is one "artificial" thing in your life that has been promising you life but quietly leaving your soul thirsty?
Message Resource:
“The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness” by Arthur C. Brooks
WHAT IS REAL?
“BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKS YOU THE REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT IS WITHIN YOU.” 1 PETER 3:15
“SO THE MAN WENT AWAY AND BEGAN TO TELL...HOW MUCH JESUS HAD DONE FOR HIM. AND ALL THE PEOPLE WERE AMAZED.” MARK 5:20
Share your testimony. When we share our story revealing God’s presence in our lives it gives hope and encouragement to others. Take a moment to tell us your story.