A Quest for the Kingdom

A Quest for the Kingdom

Five Truths That Can Change Your Life VBS is about much more than games, crafts, songs, and decorations. It is about helping children and families discover who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. In this special VBS Sunday message, several speakers walk through the story of Peter and revisit the five central truths taught throughout the week: Jesus is the way. Jesus is with me. Jesus is alive. Jesus makes me new. The Holy Spirit helps me. Peter’s journey included faith, fear, failure, forgiveness, restoration, and boldness. Through it all, Jesus remained faithful. He called Peter, rescued him, forgave him, restored his purpose, and empowered him through the Holy Spirit. These are not only lessons for children. They are truths that can shape every part of our lives. Discussion QuestionsWhich of the five VBS truths do you most need to remember right now? Where in your life do you feel like Peter, tired, afraid, guilty, or unsure? What does it look like for you to keep your eyes on Jesus during a difficult season? How has Jesus given you a fresh start after a failure or regret? Where do you need the Holy Spirit’s help this week?

I Dedicate Myself to Build People

Does Anybody Care? People all around us are asking that question, whether they say it out loud or not. They are wondering if anyone sees them, if anyone will listen, and if anyone will care enough to help. This message challenges us to become people who build others up. Instead of complaining, arguing, or tearing people down with careless words, followers of Jesus are called to encourage, comfort, strengthen, and love. As Discovery Fellowship enters a new chapter, we are reminded that the church is not built around one pastor, one program, or one Sunday service. The church is the people of God choosing to slow down, see one another, and become a safe place for hurting people to find hope. God has called us to shine like bright lights in a dark world. That starts with becoming people who care. Discussion QuestionsWhen have someone’s words either built you up or torn you down? Why is complaining so easy to slip into, even when we do not intend to be negative? What would it look like for you to slow down and notice someone who needs encouragement this week? How can our church become known as a place where people are genuinely built up? Who is one person you can encourage, pray for, or come alongside this week?

I Have A Serious Friend Request

Loneliness is one of the most widespread struggles in our culture. People may be more digitally connected than ever, but many still wonder, “Am I alone?” In this message, we look at the mission Jesus gave His people and the call to bring life to a lonely and lifeless world. Jesus came so that people might have life to the full, and He sends His followers to make Him known. But He does not send us alone. The Great Commission is a co-mission. Jesus goes with us. The church is not a closed club. It is a community of people following Jesus together and living on mission for those who are not here yet. This message challenges us to build real relationships, welcome others, invite people in, and share the love of Christ with courage and compassion. Whether it starts with a conversation, a meal, a welcome on Sunday morning, or an invitation to VBS, each of us has a part to play in helping others find their way home. Discussion QuestionsWhere do you see loneliness showing up in your neighborhood, workplace, family, or church? Why do you think people can have many online connections and still feel deeply alone? What makes it difficult for you to invite someone into your life, your home, or your church? Who is one person God may be asking you to love, listen to, or invite this week? What would it look like for you to treat the Great Commission as a “co-mission” with Jesus?

Where Are You When I Hurt?

Life is messy. Relationships are messy. Following Jesus can be messy too. Scripture never promises that life will be all sunshine and rainbows once we follow Christ. In fact, Jesus told us plainly that we would face trials and sorrows, but He also told us to take heart because He has overcome the world. In this message from James 1, we look at how God works in the middle of hardship. Trials and temptations are not the same. Temptation pulls us away from God, but trials can become opportunities to lean into Him. God does not waste our pain. He uses hard seasons to grow endurance, remove what is unholy, and refine us until His image is reflected more clearly in our lives. Even when we feel beat up by life, we can choose to become better instead of bitter. We can bring our pain to the Father, trust Him in the fire, and remember that He is with us, working in us, around us, and through us. Discussion Questions 1) Where in your life do you currently feel “sucked up, washed down, and blown away”? 2) What is the difference between a trial that can draw you closer to God and a temptation that pulls you away from Him? 3) Why do you think it is so difficult to “consider it joy” when going through hardship? 4) What might God be trying to refine or remove in your life during this season? 5) How can your response to trials become a witness to God, to others, and even to yourself?

Am I Alone?

In “Am I Alone?”, we are reminded that following Jesus is not passive, isolated, or meant to stay stuck in the past. Jesus asks a simple but searching question in Matthew 9: “Do you really believe I can do this?” That question invites us to examine what we believe about God, what we believe about His work in us, and what we believe He can still do through His church. This message challenges us to become what we believe. God has not called us to quit, coast, or settle. He has called us to become more like Jesus and to live as people who are sent into our homes, our community, and the world. We are not alone. God has given us one another, and together we can step forward in faith. Discussion Questions 1) Jesus asked, “Do you really believe I can do this?” Where do you need to answer that question honestly in your own life? 2) The sermon said that coming to Christ is the starting line, not the finish line. What is one area where God may be calling you to keep growing? 3) What role are you currently playing in the life of the church: attending, growing, serving, leading, or being sent? 4) What past hurts, fears, or disappointments might be acting like a “lid” on what you believe God can do? 5) What would it look like this week to move from simply attending church to taking greater ownership in the mission of Jesus?