Ross Road Community Church

The Sin of Presumption James 4:13-17 Humble disciples submit everything to Gods plan, including the future James 4:13-17 Application: Seek Gods will - humbly Watch out for greed Boast properly Question for reflection: In what ways do you intentional posture yourself to submit to Gods will for your future?

Our speaker this week shares about his life in Central Asia and the passion he has to see God move in his country, and throughout the world. He encourages us to be risk taking in our obedience to God in sharing His love to everyone. - Watch at: https://vimeo.com/908491375?share=copy

Often, we easily perceive faults or foolishness in others' motives, while we excuse our own actions by assuming good intentions. - Watch at: https://vimeo.com/908437682?share=copy

In his sermon on Colossians 3:1-17, Travis Martens asks us how can we refocus our heart on God as we start the New Year? Because we are made alive in Christ, that should change how we live. - Watch at: https://vimeo.com/908479444?share=copy

True Reality Hebrews 1:1-3; Luke 2 Jesus is the truest and the best Jesus is true joy (Luke 2:10-11) Jesus is true peace (Luke 2:14) Jesus is true hope (Luke 2:28-33) What does worship look like for you this Christmas?

Repent Matthew 1:20-23 Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins Jesus: The Lord Saves Immanuel: God With Us Questions to reflect on: What do the names of Jesus mean and what do they lead us to do in response? What form of repentance do you need to express today?

Surrender Matthew 1-2; Luke 1 Christmas confronts us with an opportunity to surrender to God History of the Christmas holiday: Joseph (Matthew 1:18-24) Herod (Matthew 2:1-8,16) Mary (Luke 1:26-38) Questions to consider: Why do you think Christmas has evoked such a strong response throughout the centuries? How have you reflected on the challenge to surrender that Christmas brings? How will you practice surrender to God this year?

Stop Luke 2:19,51 Stop to ponder the miracle of the birth of Christ Marys Posture: Luke 2:19,51 Stop and Wait Stop and See Questions to consider: What do you hope your experience of Christmas will be like this year? How much space have you created in your schedule to stop and ponder the miracle of Christs birth? What will you do to intentionally slow down to be in awe of Jesus?

Wisdom James 3:13-18 Active disciples demonstrate wisdom by putting humility into action 3:13: Heavenly Wisdom, part 1 3:14-16: Earthly Wisdom 3:17-18: Heavenly Wisdom, part 2 Active Discipleship prompt: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how bitter envy and selfish ambition may be present in your life and how it manifests itself. Pick one aspect of heavenly wisdom to strengthen in your life and ask God for opportunities to put it into practice.

Speak Life! James 3:1-12 T. Anderson Active Disciples Speak the Character and Kingdom of God Our Words Have Consequences (v.1-2) Our Words Are Powerful (v.3-8) Our Words Are Our Responsibility (v.9-12) Points to ponder: In what situations do you find that your ungracious speech betrays your faithfulness to Jesus? What lies behind those words (e.g. tiredness, anger, frustration, insecurity, fear, hurt, disrespect, etc.)? How will knowing this help you to respond better in the future? Although you may never know how impactful your words might be, who might you speak words of blessing to today?

Faith Works James 2:14-26 Faith without works is dead James vs. Paul: James 2:17 24 Romans 3:28 Ephesians 2:8-9 2:14-17: The problem 2:18-19: The objection 2:20-26: The examples Questions to consider: How would summarize the similarities and differences between how Paul and James talk about faith and works? Why is James so passionate about faith expressing itself through action? How do you evaluate your own life when it comes to how you express your faith in action?

Mercy Triumphs James 2:1-13 Active disciples are generously merciful to everyone 2:1-4: The Illustration 2:5-7: The Interrogation 2:8-13: The Instruction Questions to reflect on: How have you been guilty of showing favouritism in your life or in the church? What does it look like for you to show mercy to those who you might tend to judge? How can our church be a more welcoming place?

Mirror Mirror James 1:19-27 Disciples of Jesus replace anger with active obedience to the perfect law of Christ 1:19-21: Disciples are slow to anger 1:22-25: Disciples are freed by the perfect law of Jesus 1:26-27: Disciples put their faith into action for the good of others Questions to consider: Has anger been a challenge for you in your life? What can you do to put James advice into practice when it comes to anger? How does the perfect law of Christ bring true freedom? How does this text invite you to put your faith into action?

God vs. Sin James 1:13-18 Sin always leads to death. God always gives good gifts. Vs 13-15: Temptations * God
 * You

 * Desires Vs 16-18: God * Gifts * Creation and New Creation Questions to reflect on: What are some desires that entice and drag you away from God? What are some of the good gifts you have received from God? How can you live as a first fruit?

Pirates and How to Fight Them James 1:1-18 Mature Christians rely on God for wisdom in trials Intro to James Vs 5-7: How to fight the pirates and get wisdom: Ask wholeheartedly Be of one mind Trust in Gods character Questions to reflect on: How have you received wisdom from God in the past? How can you ensure that when you ask God for wisdom you are of one mind? How can you increase your trust in Gods character?

Count It All Joy James 1:1-18 Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds How do we find joy in trials? Stand firm in your identity Recognize Gods grace Theres more going on than meets the eye Questions to reflect on: As you think on current or past trials, what have you found helpful to produce joy in the midst of them? How can you stand firm in your identity when everything is painful?

Arun Passi is one of our local missionaries from Multiply who works with the Punjabi population in Abbotsford. He shares about the opportunities that we have to share the good new of Jesus locally with the South Asian community.

Make Disciples Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15-16 Every Christian is a missionary Questions to ponder: How intentional am I about taking the posture of a missionary in my life? How could I strengthen this? How can I pray for the lost? How can I prepare to engage? How will I plan and proceed?

Rooted Colossians 2:6-15 Disciples of Jesus have been rooted in Christ Disciples are rooted and growing (2:6-7) Disciples are free and full (2:8-10) Disciples are alive in Christ (2:11-15) Questions to consider: How does the reality of what Christ has done for you/in you transform how you think about discipleship? How can you cooperate with Gods work of strengthening you in the faith?

What Were About Matthew 28:18-20 Our Mission: Helping People Find and Follow Jesus Our Values: * We equip Christ-centred disciples * We welcome people into discipleship * We disciple in community Our Vision: Everyone Actively Discipling for the Glory of God Applications: Questions to consider: What has your discipleship journey looked like through the years? What has helped you to grow in your pursuit of Christ? How can you envision yourself on this journey with RRCC?