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.
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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.PREVIOUS MESSAGE SERIES
