Exploring Change is how every person who becomes a Christ follower starts out. Every journey begins somewhere. In the New Testament, a man named Nicodemus is a great example (John 3, 7 and 19). He was a highly respected teacher of the Jewish faith, well educated, and an important leader in his community. When he heard and saw the amazing things Jesus was doing and teaching, he was drawn to Jesus and began asking questions. Exactly when Nicodemus became a believer and follower of Jesus is not clear. What we know for sure is that somewhere between that first conversation and Jesus’ crucifixion, Nicodemus’ faith grew to the point where he was unafraid to openly identify with Christ.
Exploring change may mean that you have not yet committed your life to Christ, but are seriously considering taking that step of faith. Or, it could mean that you have committed your life to Christ and realize you have a lot of areas where spiritual growth is yet to come. Either way, it’s exciting that more spiritual life change is still ahead for you!
Next Steps & Resources: As you experience life change in Christ, you’ll be growing in each of the six areas below. Provided below are some next steps and resource recommendations. Resources in underlined blue font (i.e. – Attend Gospel Conversation Training) are direct links. Rather than tackling too much at one time, consider focusing on the Life Change Indicators that show greater potential for growth, and begin there.
How to access RightNowMedia resources: Some video resources are on RightNowMedia. These video resources are absolutely free to you. To sign up, click here: RightNowMedia. (Highly recommended)
Commits to God and His Family
- If not yet a Sugar Creek member, visit the Next Step Center on Sunday and/or sign up for the next Lunch with the Pastors.
- Commit to increase your worship attendance at least one Sunday per month.
- Watch Pastor Mark’s Online Series Learning How to Trust God. Part One: What Faith Really Is, and Part Two: Connecting with God. [Sermon notes available to download and print.]
- Read The Case For Faith by Lee Strobel [Order online or check availability at our Waters Edge Resource Center.]
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C: Watch Pastor Mark’s message, Commits to God and His Family. Sermon notes are available for download.
Helps Others Know God
- Attend Gospel Conversation Training.
- Watch Session Two of Andy Stanley’s Series Go Fish on RightNowMedia.
- Read Conquer Your Fear, Share Your Faith: Evangelism Made Easy by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort. [Order online or check availability at our Waters Edge Resource Center.
- Read Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by David Gregory [Order online or check availability at our Waters Edge Resource Center.]
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H: Watch Pastor Mark’s message, Commits to God and His Family. Sermon notes are available for download.
Actively Practices Spiritual Disciplines
- Read a chapter a day in the Gospel of John for the next three weeks (21 chapters).
- Memorize John 1:1-2; John 3:16; John 10:10 and John 15:5 over the next four weeks.
- Watch Pastor Mark’s two-part series The Bible.
- Watch Matt Chandler’s Sermon A Call to Prayer on RightNowMedia.
- Read free online resource How To Have A Quiet Time by Lifeway Resources.
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A: Watch Pastor Mark’s message, Commits to God and His Family. Sermon notes are available for download.
Nurturing Authentic Relationships
- Visit the GroupLink Kiosk in the Commons on Sunday to explore connection opportunities for groups.
- Watch Pastor Mark’s Online Sermon What It Means to Radically Love Each Other. [Sermon notes available to download and print.]
- Read The Relationship Principles of Jesus by Tom Holladay. [Order online or check availability at our Waters Edge Resource Center.]
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N: Watch Pastor Mark’s message, Commits to God and His Family. Sermon notes are available for download.
Gives Back to God
- Make the commitment to give regularly to support ministries through Sugar Creek.
- Watch Pastor Mark’s Sermon The Power of Change: Gives Back to God.
- Watch Mark Batterson on Generous Giving on RightNowMedia.
- Read The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. [Order online or check availability at our Waters Edge Resource Center.]
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G: Watch Pastor Mark’s message, Commits to God and His Family. Sermon notes are available for download.
Exercises Spiritual Gifts in Service
- Participate in the next Finding My Place Class.
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13:13.
- Take a free online Spiritual Gifts Inventory.
- Look for serving opportunities in the Worship Guide and pray about what to do next.
- Watch Bill Hybels teach on Spiritual Gifts.
- Read Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. [Order online or check availability at our Waters Edge Resource Center.]
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E: Watch Pastor Mark’s message, Commits to God and His Family. Sermon notes are available for download.