The Outpost Church https://theoutpostchurch.org Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com A Marriage Testimony https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/10/13/a-marriage-testimony Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:19:21 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/10/13/a-marriage-testimony

A Marriage Testimony

By: Becki Kretschmer 
For most of my life, “marriage” was a word that carried equal parts longing and pain. I grew up in a world where love didn’t always look safe. Abuse was part of my story from the beginning, and by the time I married, I had already endured sexual assaults from four different men. I was pregnant, wounded, and desperate to create something beautiful out of broken pieces. I wanted to honor God. I wanted to honor my husband. And I believed if I could just love enough, serve enough, respect enough—somehow it would be enough.

But the truth is, it never was.

No matter how much I gave, the more invisible I became. I did everything alone—raising our children, holding the home together, praying through tears that God would make it better. I thought submission meant silence, and that sacrifice meant losing myself completely. I believed that being a “good wife” meant enduring anything. And over time, the woman God created me to be faded into the shadows.

And then—he walked away.

That moment felt like death and freedom colliding. God didn’t just rescue me from a marriage that was breaking me; He rescued me from the lies I believed about love. He set me free. Not free from marriage itself, but free from the idea that love required erasing myself.

And in His mercy, He didn’t stop there.

God gave me a miracle.

He brought me a man who didn’t just see the surface. He saw my scars—the deep open wounds—and didn’t turn away. He saw me. Not the past, not the pain, or the polished version I thought I had to present. Just me. And somehow, he loved me there.
That kind of love changes a person.

When someone loves you like that, you stop surviving and start healing. His love didn’t shrink me; it made me grow. And the more I became myself, the more he loved me. The more he loved me, the freer I became to be who God wanted me to be. And the freer I became, the more I loved him. It’s this beautiful circle of grace that only God could write.

Our marriage is as close to perfect as I can imagine.

Because now I understand: this is what God intended in the Garden of Eden. Marriage was never meant to be a battleground or a burden. It was meant to be a partnership. Two people, joined as one flesh—not to consume each other, but to complete a divine purpose together. God didn’t create Eve to walk behind Adam or beneath him, but beside him. Together, they were to walk with God, reflecting His love and multiplying His goodness in the world.

That’s what marriage is supposed to look like—two whole people becoming one, both surrendering not to each other’s control, but to God’s call. It’s about being seen, known, and loved the way Christ loves the Church—with truth, grace, and sacrifice.
If you’ve known pain in marriage—or if your story feels too broken to ever be beautiful again—please hear me: God is not done writing. He restores what’s been destroyed. He rebuilds what’s been shattered. And He can bring life where there’s been only ashes.

That’s what He did for me.

Today, I wake up beside a man who loves me the way God designed love to be—selfless, kind, protective, and freeing. Together, we laugh, pray, and dream. We’ve learned that the key to a successful marriage isn’t found in perfection, performance, or even passion. It’s found in perfect partnership—with each other and with God.

And when a man and woman walk as one flesh, with God at the center, they don’t just bless each other—they bless the world. That’s love in the Garden, as God designed it.

So let’s challenge ourselves this week to live the kind of marriage God created for us.  

•We both love Mount Rainier. Whenever I see the mountain, I think of my husband and I pray for him. Just quickly.  Is there something in your life you could use as a visual reminder to pray for your partner frequently?  
Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. -James 4:8

•My husband saw things in me that I had long given up on. Interests, hobbies, etc.  He urges me to pursue them, and I see how God is using that.  Is there something in your spouse, some interest or ability, that you should encourage? Pray that God would help you see all your partners' gifts and that you would promote those things in them.  
Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today', so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. -Hebrews 3:13
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Philippians 2:4

•We demonstrate the worth of a person by giving our full attention to their words.  Challenge yourself to stop what you are doing and give your spouse your full attention when they are talking to you.  Hear them, both what they say and what they don’t.  
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. -James 1:19
In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. – Proverbs 10:19

•Sometimes “submit” sounds like a bad thing.  Webster defines "submit" as yielding to the will of another.  Today, practice that.  What does your spouse want that you could give him or her today?  Practice with something small, something that takes no more than 5 minutes.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. – Philippians 2:3
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ – Ephesians 5:21

•Do the people around you know what you love about your spouse?  Today, tell them.  The way you talk about your spouse has a tremendous impact on both your marriage and the people you are talking to.
Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. – Colossians 4:6

•If you have been married for any length of time, you have seen your spouse change.  Today, tell them something you love about the new person they have become. He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

•How do your spouse's strengths offset your weaknesses? Express your appreciation for those strengths.  
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. – Proverbs 16:24
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.  – 1 Peter 2:17

]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/10/13/a-marriage-testimony#comments 0 The 3-Body Problem https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/09/29/the-3-body-problem Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:13:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/09/29/the-3-body-problem

The 3 Body Problem

Hello Church!

I wanted to take a few seconds and recap what we talked about during our Sunday Gathering this past weekend (9/28). As part of our marriage series, we explored the three loves from The Song of Songs in Scripture. Let's look back over the big idea from this weekend and then we can explore these three different 'loves' and what we challenged you to do with them.

Big Idea: The most joy-filled and fulfilling marriages are the ones where both partners are investing daily into friendship, commitment, and passion.

We saw a couple in Scripture who played out the sort of intentionality that it takes if we are going to have the sort of marriages we got married dreaming about.

  • We saw deep RAYAH or friendship love. This is mutual affection and that feeling of enjoyment we have just being in our spouse's presence. 

  • There was also AHAVAH or commitment love as well. Completely separate from any feeling or emotion, AHAVAH says I am with you 'till death do us part.'

  • Finally, we watched the couple from Song of Songs as their friendship and commitment to one another grew into DODE also known as passion/intimacy love.

Our natural tendency is actually to drift and move towards isolation. You know this if you've been married for any length of time at all. Marriage (especially a happy one) requires a TON of work. We introduced these three concepts (friendship, commitment, and passion) as the areas you need to be putting in the work (both daily and intentionally) if you want to see a change for the better in your marriage.

Along with praying for your spouse five minutes each day, this weekend we challenged you to take another five minutes (because we believe your spouse is worth 10 minutes of your time each day) to think and work intentionally towards building up the three loves in your marriage.

Our challenge to you is to find a time that fits naturally into the movement and flow of your day where you WON'T be rushed but WILL be reminded each day to take 10 minutes of time to think and pray intentionally and specifically for your spouse.

PRAYER PROMPTS

- Monday: How does my use of time reflect how I value my spouse? During your intentional time today figure out when the best time of day will be to spend 10 minutes on your spouse and put it into your calendar or daily to-do...however you plan your time for the week.
Eph 5:15-16 - "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

- Tuesday: Does how I speak about my spouse honor them and our family? Think about this during your intentionality time and pray over any ways that you may not be honoring them in your speech to others.
Eph 4:29 - "Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

- Wednesday: Spend some time thinking about what you are thankful for your spouse for. Write that out and spend a few minutes thanking God for those things. Maybe consider writing that out one or two of the reasons you are thankful for your spouse and sending it in a text message or email.

- Thursday: Friends build one another up through encouragement. Question to consider: how does your spouse receive encouragement the best? Do you know that? If so, do that today and pray for their encouragement. If you don't know how to best encourage your spouse, consider talking with them at some point today and simply asking.

- Friday: Commitment is, in part, built by doing for your spouse when there is no motive or expectation of return. How can you quietly serve your spouse today? Pray that God would open your eyes to their greatest needs and then do your best to meet it just because...
Gal 5:13 - "...serve one another humbly in love." 

- Saturday: Today is a great chance to try something new! If you don't already have a good habit of praying together daily, then give that a shot at some point today! Your prayer time doesn't have to be long or fancy. Just spend a few seconds praying aloud together over your children or other family members if you need something specific. Just take the time to do it...that's most important.

- Sunday: Pray for you and your spouse to approach Worship this morning with open ears and hearts open to change.


You won't be getting text message reminder of these prompts throughout the week...so, if you've made it this far and actually read this blog post, my advice to you is to set up your own reminder with these prompts that will actually remind you to do these things at the time you've set aside to pray for and think intentionally about your marriage.

I am praying for you and I am here for you if you have any questions!

In Christ,
Devin Wood
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/09/29/the-3-body-problem#comments 0 Family Discipleship April Week 4 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/27/family-discipleship-april-week-4 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/27/family-discipleship-april-week-4
April27th-May 3rd

Little Man, Big Faith

The Big Picture: Remember how the first workers from the parable of the vineyard grumbled when they learned the owner gave the workers who only worked on hour the same payment as those who worked all day? They lost sight of the generous heart of the boss, just like we lose sight of the generous heart of the boss, just like we lose sight of God's generous heart. None of us deserve his grace--no matter if we are first or last. We are all sinners deserving to be punished for our sins. That's what is fair! We don't want God to be "fair" in that way. Instead of being "fair" like that and punishing everyone, our just and generous God sent Jesus to save us. In Luke 19 we learn about one of those people. His name is Zacchaeus. No one in his town would have expected that Jesus would give him grace. But he did!
Watch the Youtube video for this week together
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus gives grace even to big-time sinners.
This weeks memory verse is: 
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
 (LUKE 19:10)

Reading 1: LUKE 19:1-4
ANOTHER RICH MAN
What happened to the last rich man who approached Jesus--did he walk away happy or sad? To the Jews of Jesus's day a chief tax collector was the lowest of the low. So Zacchaeus was a big-time sinner! What is unusual about what Zacchaeus did that day? Would you run and climb a tree to see Jesus?
Reading 2: LUKE 19:5-6
SEEKING JESUS
How did Zacchaeus respond to Jesus's command? Remember the parables of the lost sheep, coin and son--how did Zacchaeus respond like those who found what was lost? Should we respond to God's grace with such joy too?
Reading 3: EXODUS 16:2-3; LUKE 19:7
GRUMBLE, GRUMBLE, GRUMBLE
What did Israel do in the wilderness after God saved them from their slavery in Egypt? What has Jesus taught in some of his parables about grumbling about grace? What did the crowd grumble about?
Reading 4: LUKE 19:8
A PICTURE OF TRUE REPENTANCE
When Zacchaeus received Jesus into his heart and home, he was a changed man. How did he express that change? If we receive Jesus, do we need to do exactly what Zacchaeus did? But what do we need to do to show that we love Jesus more than our sin?
Reading 5: LUKE 19:9-10
TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST
Salvation came to Zacchaeus because he, like Abraham, believed! If Jesus came to seek and save lost people--like chief tax collectors--do you think anyone is beyond the grasp of God's grace? Think of someone now who is so far from following God's ways. pray for that person, knowing that God can do the impossible.
GOSPEL CONNECTION
The last line in the story, which is the most important, comes from Jesus. he says, "For the Son of man came to seek and save the lost" (LUKE 19:10). Another way to say that is Jesus came to save sinners. Do you remember that Jesus said "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (18:25)? Zacchaeus is rich! So how did he get through the eye of the tiny sewing needle? Easy. Jesus pulled him through. he came to seek and save the lost--both rich and poor, short and tall. The next time you think about Zacchaes, picture Jesus pulling a camel through the eye of a needle. Impossible? Not with God--all things are possible for him.
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/27/family-discipleship-april-week-4#comments 0 Family Discipleship April Week 2 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/14/family-discipleship-april-week-2 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:58:45 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/14/family-discipleship-april-week-2
April 13th - 19th

Grumbles and Grace

The Big Picture: Grace is God's kindness toward those who deserve punishment. So, let's think of some examples of grace throughout the Biggest Story. When God forgave King David's awful sins, that's grace. When Jesus called the tax collector Matthew to follow him, that's grace. When the father in Jesus's parable of the prodigal son welcomed his son home, forgave all his sins, and threw a big party to celebrate his son's return, that's grace. That's amazing grace! In Mathew 20 we learn more about God's amazing grace. it's another parable, one usually called the parable of the laborers )or workers) in the vineyard. by God's grace let's listen and learn. 
Watch the Youtube video for this week together
This weeks big truth is:
God is free to bless anyone he chooses in the ways he knows about best.
This weeks memory verse is: 
So the last will be first, and the first last.
 (Matthew 20:16)

Reading 1: MATTHEW 20:1-2
THE KINGDOM IS LIKE...
A "denarius." a small coin, was a typical day's wagers for work. In this parable, what did the master hire the laborers to do? Did they agree to receive one denarius for their work?
Reading 2: MATTHEW 20:3-7
MORE WORKERS HIRE
The "third hour" is nine in the morning. What is the sixth hour? The eleventh? Do you think the workers who were hired in the early hours of the day will get paid more than the workers who started at the end of the day? Should they get paid more?
Reading 3: MATTHEW 2-:8-12
WAIT A MINUTE!
Do you think you would be upset too? If so, why?
Reading 4: MATTHEW 13-15
DON'T BEGRUDGE GOD'S GENEROSITY
How does Jesus say those workers should have responded? Why--what was the deal? Since God is the "master" not just in this story bur the Master of heaven and earth and whatever is beyond, can he decide wha the can do with us? Where did God show his great generosity to us? How should we respond to such generous grace?
Reading 5: MATTHEW 20:16
THE FIRST LAST?
Do you normally want to be the first of last in line--let's say for a yummy meal? In the story that Jesus told, who got paid first--those who started last and did the least or those who started first and did the most? What point was Jesus trying to make? Should we ever grumble about God's grace?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Do you know what Jesus said right after he told this parable? He said, " let us now journey to Jerusalem, for when I get there I will be delivered over to the Jewish religious leaders and Romans, and they will mock me and whip me and crucify me. But, on the third day, I will rise from the dead" (Matt. 20:18-19). By going to the cross for us God gave us more than a hundred dollars. he gave us the most precious gift of eternal life through Jesus's death and resurrection. God gave us grace upon grace. how could we possibly grumble?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/14/family-discipleship-april-week-2#comments 0 Family Discipleship April Week 1 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/07/family-discipleship-april-week-1 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:10:16 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/07/family-discipleship-april-week-1
April 6th- 12th

Debts and Debtors

The Big Picture: What should you do if someone steals something from you or tells a lie that get you in trouble? One day Jesus taught his disciples what to do if someone sins agains them. If a person admits his fault and asks for forgiveness, Christians should forgive. When Peter heard this teaching, he had a follow up question: "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"(Matt 18:21). Jesus replied, "Not seven times, seventy-seven times" (See Matt 18:22). In other words, "we should be counting how many times someone does something wrong towards us. We should forgive them every single time!" Today's story is a parable that Jesus told the disciples so they could understand better. 
Watch the Youtube video for this week together
This weeks big truth is:
We should forgive others just as God forgave us.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Be kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
 (EPHESIANS 4:32)

Reading 1: MATTHEW 18:15-20
IF SOMEONE SINS AGAINST YOU
If someone sins against you, should you look the other way or be really mad and mean? If the person who sins against you won't confess the sin and ask you for forgiveness, what should you do next?
Reading 2: MATTHEW 18:21-22
SEVENTY-SEVEN TIMES
Does Peter want a limit to how many times he should forgive someone? What does Jesus think about how many times we should forgive? Has anyone ever done something wrong against you the same way a few times? If so, did you find it difficult to forgive them? How many times will God forgive us of the same sin?
Reading 3: MATTHEW 18:23-27
JESUS TELLS ANOTHER PARABLE
A "debt" is when you owe somebody money. A "talent" was an amount of money. Kind of like a dollar. Ten thousand talents, would have been a lot of money today. Could the servant have ever been able to pay the king back for what he owed? What did the servant do? What did the king do? What can we learn from this parable?
Reading 4: MATTHEW 18:28-30
THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT
How much money did the second servant owe? What should he have done when the second servant asked him to give him time to pay it back? What did he do instead? Was that a a good decision?
Reading 5: MATTHEW 18:31-35
FORGIVE FROM THE HEART
What did the king say and do to punish the first servant? What lesson is going trying to teach the disciples and us with this story?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Our trespasses or sins are like debts we owe God. Our debt is as massive as the first servant in the parable. We owe God ten billion dollars. So what are we to do? We can't do anything can we? There is nothing that we can do to earn salvation. Thankfully God has done something with our debt. He sent Jesus to pay that debt for us. Jesus gave his "life as a ransom" (Matt 20:28), a full payment. We, through faith, can accept that good news and have all our sins forgiven! And because God (like the king in the parable) has forgiven others (like the second servant's much-smaller debt) when they sin against us. The forgiven must be forgiving. 
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/04/07/family-discipleship-april-week-1#comments 0 Family Discipleship March Week 4 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/24/family-discipleship-march-week-4 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:58:23 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/24/family-discipleship-march-week-4
March 23rd-29th

Who Is My Neighbor?

The Big Picture: Remember how Jesus's disciples were upset that children were coming to Jesus? They thought Jesus was too busy, important, and powerful to waste his precious time with children. They misunderstood the King and his kingdom, so Jesus corrected them. The disciples weren't the only ones who misunderstood the King and his kingdom. They weren't the only ones Jesus needed to correct. There was also another group. But this second group was trickier and meaner than the disciples. They didn't like Jesus. They wanted him dead. Sometimes they'd ask him questions to get him into trouble. In today's chapter of the Bible they ask him one of those trick questions. But Jesus isn't tricked. Instead he uses their question to correct their wrong views about his kingdom. 
Watch the Youtube video for this week together
This weeks big truth is:
Loving God means loving our neighbors, which involves showing mercy to those in need.
This weeks memory verse is: 
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
 (10:27)

Reading 1: LEVITICUS 19:9-18
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
Do we naturally love ourselves? According to this passage, what are some ways we love our neighbor? What are some ways we can show love?
Reading 2: DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9
LISTEN UP, GOD'S PEOPLE!
This command is called the Shema because that is the first word in Hebrew ("hear" or "listen up!") And to Israel to "hear" or "listen up" also meant to "obey". Should we love God with everything? Is it important that parents teach their children to know and obey the Shema?
Reading 3: LUKE 10:25-28
JESUS'S ANSWER TO THE FIRST QUESTION
This expert in the Bible (called "a lawyer," someone who really knew the "Law" of Moses) tried to trick Jesus into giving the wrong answer. How did Jesus get him to answer the question? Do you think this man always and every second of the day loved God with everything? Do we always and every second of the day love God with everything?
Reading 4: LUKE 10:29-35
JESUS'S ANSER TO THE SECOND QUESTION
Who didn't help the man? Who did? What is surprising about this story? How is Jesus like the Samaritan?
Reading 5: LUKE 10:36-37
QUESTIONING HIS QUESTIONER
The lawyer asked Jesus two questions. After the parable, Jesus asked his own question. What did he ask? How did the lawyer answer? Did he get the right answer? What is the point of the parable--to that man and to us too?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Think again what the Samaritan did in the parable, and then think about what Jesus has done for us. Like the Samaritan, Jesus came to the rescue. The Samaritan just crossed the road to do so; Jesus came all the way from heaven! The man who was beaten was rescued from dying; We were already dead in our sins when Jesus came for us. It cost the Samaritan some money to restore the dying man back to life; It cost Jesus his very life to restore our relationship with God. Jesus suffered for us. Jesus bled for us. Jesus died for us. 
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/24/family-discipleship-march-week-4#comments 0 Family Discipleship March Week 3 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/16/family-discipleship-march-week-3 Sun, 16 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/16/family-discipleship-march-week-3
March 16th - 22nd

The Kids Can Come Too

The Big Picture:In the four gospels, we read about different people coming to Jesus. A man with a skin disease came to Jesus to be healed. Four men brought their friend, who couldn’t walk, so Jesus could make him better. Lots of people came to Jesus to be healed from all kinds of sickness. One day, some parents brought their children to Jesus. Why? Were the children sick? No. Were they hungry? No. Were they dying? No. The parents brought their kids to Jesus so he could put his loving hands on them and give them a special blessing. How amazing! It was wonderful that the parents wanted this, and it was just as wonderful that Jesus wanted it too. Many important people don’t like to be around little kids because they can be noisy, messy, and sometimes even smelly. But none of that bothered Jesus. He "took them in his arms and blessed them" (Mark 10:16).
Watch the Youtube video for this week together
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus wants us to come to him like little children--needy and helpless.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. 
 (Mark 10:15)

Reading 1: MARK 10:13
CHILDREN BROUGHT TO JESUS
Why did parents want to bring their children to Jesus? Why didn’t the disciples want them to? Even though Jesus is the King, what is surprising about how he lived on earth and who he spent time with?
Reading 2: MARK 1-:14-16
LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME
What did Jesus say to the disciples? What does it mean that the kingdom of God belongs to little children? Does Jesus welcome you to be part of God’s kingdom?
Reading 3: MARK 10:17
WHAT MUST I DO?
Later, we are told that the man who came to Jesus "had great possessions" (Mark 10:22). He was very rich! What is good about the rich man's question? What is not so good?
Reading 4: EXODUS 20:12-17; MARK 10:18-22
ONE THING
Is Did the rich man think he was a good person who obeyed the Ten Commandments? How did Jesus test him to see if he really loved God and others more than his money? Did he pass the test? Are you tempted to love money or stuff more than God and other people?
Reading 5: MARK 10:23-31
THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE
What name (it starts with a c) did Jesus call his disciples? Why do you think he used the word "children"? Is it hard for rich people to act like children--humble and totally needing the help of others? Can having a lot of money be dangerous?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus doesn't test everyone like he did with the rich man, but he does want everyone to depend on him, whether we are rich rulers or little children. The gospel is for everyone because everyone is small and weak compared to God. The rich ruler didn’t understand that no one can live with God forever until they realize they are as weak and helpless as a toddler. That’s how God wants us to come to him. And when we do, he will hold us in his arms and bless us.
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/16/family-discipleship-march-week-3#comments 0 Family Discipleship March Week 2 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/09/family-discipleship-march-week-2 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/09/family-discipleship-march-week-2
March 9th - 8th

Glory Mountain

The Big Picture: Have you ever climbed a big hill? How did you feel when you reached the top? Were you out of breath?  One day Jesus took Peter, James, and John on a long hike up a high mountain. We don't know if they are out of breath when they reached the top. What we do know is that they saw something awesome. Jesus was transfigured! That word means he was changed. But he wasn't transformed from a robot into a semi truck or a caterpillar into a butterfly. Jesus wasn't transformed into another thing. He stayed human; he just showed himself to be who he really was. God's glorious son!
Watch the Youtube video for this week together
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus is the glorious Son of God, who is perfectly holy.
This weeks memory verse is: 
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
 (Psalm 95:3-4)

Reading 1: EXODUS 33:18-23
PLEASE SHOW ME YOUR GLORY
What did Moses ask for? How did God show his glory to Moses? Do you long to see God's glory in heaven forever and ever?
Reading 2: MATTHEW 17:1-2
A LIGHT SHOW
What happened to Jesus? What did this transfiguration teach us about who he is?

Reading 3: MATTHEW 17:3-4
PETER'S BAD IDEA
lf you saw what Peter, James, and John saw, how would you respond? Do you have any idea what was wrong with Peter's idea to build three little tents? (If not, wait for what God says next!)
Reading 4: MATTHEW 17:5
THE FATHER'S VOICE
Is What two things did God say about his Son? What one thing did he tell his disciples to do? How do we obey that command ("Listen to him") today?
Reading 5: MATTHEW 17:6-9
After the Transfiguration
How did the three disciples react to what they saw and heard? Why might Jesus have told them to be quiet about what they saw and heard until after his resurrection? Should we be quiet now about what we know about Jesus?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Here, on Glory Mountain, we learn that Jesus is the glorious Son of God, who liked God the Father and Spirit, is perfectly holy. Now think about this. It would be surprising if a good man died for our sins. It would be amazing if a very important person--like a king00would take the punishment that we deserve. It, then, is truly astounding that Jesus--the King of glory--should lay down his life for us and die in our place. Peter, James, and John were confused, afraid, and surely stunned on the day Jesus took them atop the mountain. And while we should be amazed, we should not be fearful because we can take comfort in knowing Jesus died for us on Mount Canary, a hill outside Jerusalem. he shows his glory to us by dying and rising again. What a glorious King!
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/09/family-discipleship-march-week-2#comments 0 Family Discipleship March 2nd https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/02/family-discipleship-march-2nd Sun, 02 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/02/family-discipleship-march-2nd
March 2nd - 8th

Confessing Christ

The Big Picture: One day Jesus and his disciples traveled to a place with a big name: Caesarea Philippi. It was a big name because it was named after some important people: the Roman Emperor (Caesar) and the Jewish ruler of that region (Herod Philip). But its importance didn't stop there. It had not one but two temples. One was th eTemple of Augustus built to honor a Roman Emperor. The other was a temple to the Greek god, Pam. not Peter Pan, just Pan --the god of the goats. yep, the god of the goats! Anyway, it was in this big place --a place filled with worship of the wrong rulers and dead idols --that Jesus asked his disciples a big question. 
Watch the Youtube video for this week together
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus is the Christ, who came to suffer, die, and rise again.
This weeks memory verse is: 
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
 (Matthew 16:16)

Reading 1: Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:13-14
SON OF MAN
Jesus's favorite title for himself was, the Son of Man." Why do you think he liked that name? Who did people in Jesus's day think he was? Who do people in our world today think he is?

Reading 2: Matthew 16:15-17
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
Did Peter give the right answer toJesus's question? Did he get the right answer because he was super spiritual and super smart?
Reading 3: Matthew 16:21-23
JESU'S MISSION
After Peter's correct confession, Jesus talked about how his church would be built and that no power from hell could stop its success. But he also said that first he must suffer and die. Did Peter like what Jesus said? Why was Peter so wrong; why was Jesus's death necessary?
Reading 4: Matthew 16:24
THE CHURCH'S MISSION
Is the church's mission totally different than Jesus's mission )i.e., he suffered, but we don't need to suffer)? What are some ways that Satan might tempt us to take the easy path and not obey Jesus's tough teaching?
Reading 5: Matthew 16:25-28
THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY
Will God's people win in the end? When will our final victory come? Who will have the better life in eternity--the man who lived for himself and gained many riches or earth or the poor man who lived for Jesus even though it meant sacrifices and even the loss of his job and home?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
The gospel clearly teaches that Jesus is the promised Messiah and the always-existing Son of God. We need to know who Jesus is like Peter did. But we also need to know what he came to do. Jesus came to suffer and die and rise. And through his suffering, death, and resurrection he brings the kingdom of heaven down to earth. First ones the cross, then comes the crown. If we trust in Jesus--that he came for us, suffered and died for us, and rose from the dead for us--we will live forever in his perfect kingdom. And Jesus calls us right now to pick up our cross and follow him. 
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/03/02/family-discipleship-march-2nd#comments 0 Family Discipleship February Week 4 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/23/family-discipleship-february-week-4 Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/23/family-discipleship-february-week-4
February 23rd - March 1st

A Dogged Faith

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus saves anyone who believes in him.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
 (Romans 10:13)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: What do you think the two words are that our story focused on today? Even though the Jews were God's people, did they still sin? What about the Gentiles? What did they both need?

Question Two: What was wrong with the woman's daughter? Whom did she go to for help?

Question Three: Who are some people that we can go to for help? What are some times that we might go to Jesus for help?

Question Four: How did Jesus test the woman? How did she respond?
 
Question Five: Did she believe that Jesus came to save and heal Jews and Gentiles? Was she right?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/23/family-discipleship-february-week-4#comments 0 Family Discipleship February Week 3 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/16/family-discipleship-february-week-3 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/16/family-discipleship-february-week-3
February 16th - 22nd

A Walk on the Water

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Because Jesus is the Son of God, he can save us when we cry out to him.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Truly you are the Son of God.
 (Matthew 14:33)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: Have you ever tried to walk on water? How did that go for you? Have you ever sunk into water and had trouble getting out on your own? How did you feel in that moment?

Question Two: What has been your favorite miracle from Jesus so far? What amazed you about today's story? How would you feel if you were on the boat and saw Jesus walking towards you? Why do you think they didn't recognize him at first?

Question Three: When he walked on the waves, were they still or choppy? How did the disciples feel when they saw him?

Question Four: Why did Peter begin to sink? What did Peter do? What did Jesus do? Will Jesus ever turn us away when we come to him for help or salvation?
 
Question Five: How did the disciples know Jesus is the Son of God? Then how did they respond to him? How should we?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/16/family-discipleship-february-week-3#comments 0 Family Discipleship February Week 2 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/09/family-discipleship-february-week-2 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/09/family-discipleship-february-week-2
February 9th - 15th

The Happy Meal That Kept on Going

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus is the bread of life.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."
 (John 6:35)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: What's the longest you've gone without eating? When you are really hungry and tired, how do you act towards others?

Question Two: Jesus was hungry and tired in our story today. How did he act during that time?

Question Three: Can you imagine how much food it would take to feed five thousand men, plus their wives and their children? How much food did Jesus start with? Why was Jesus able to feed them when no one else was?

Question Four: How did Satan tempt Jesus when Jesus was hungry? What did Jesus tell Satan was more important than food?
 
Question Five: What do we need more than food? If Jesus is the bread of life, what should we do to be satisfied by him?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/09/family-discipleship-february-week-2#comments 0 Family Discipleship February Week 1 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/02/family-discipleship-february-week-1 Sun, 02 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/02/family-discipleship-february-week-1
February 2nd - 8th

The Voice is Silenced

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
We need faith to believe Jesus wins -- even when it looks like bad guys are winning.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 (Matthew 5:10)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: Who were some people int he Old Testament that suffered even though they obeyed God? What did Jesus think about John the Baptist--was he a good guy or a bad guy? If he was a good guy, why did he go to prison?

Question Two: Some times bad things happen to good people. Have you ever gotten into trouble or had a problem even when you were doing the right thing?

Question Three: Do you think John was afraid while in prison? How would you feel if you were John? What do you think gave him hope?

Question Four: How did Jesus suffer like John? What gave Jesus hope when he was on the cross? How do we know Jesus conquered death? What will happen to evil when Jesus returns as King?
 
Question Five: What do we need to remember when it looks like the bad guys are winning?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/02/02/family-discipleship-february-week-1#comments 0 Family Discipleship January Week 4 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/26/family-discipleship-january-week-4 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/26/family-discipleship-january-week-4
January 26th - February 1st

A Sick Woman and a Sad Day

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus showed his power over disease and death, and one day he will defeat them for all who believe.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Do not fear, only believe.
 (Mark 5:36)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: What foods were considered unclear by the Jews? What could make a person unclean like the woman that Jesus healed?

Question Two: Who were the characters in our story today? How were they different? How were they the same?

Question Three: What were both of our characters afraid of?

Question Four: What did Jesus show he has the power to do?
 
Question Five: What did our characters do after they had their interaction with Jesus?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/26/family-discipleship-january-week-4#comments 0 Silence & Solitude https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/22/silence-solitude Wed, 22 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/22/silence-solitude

An open letter from a busy mom BEGGING you to find silence and solitude... 

Dear Busy Church Member,

The dogs are barking because Amazon is here with a package, and apparently,
Amazon is a very real threat to our existence.  But no worries, my dogs faithfully try to
chase them away.  Every single time. And I hear my son in the other room singing,
“Where is my Hairbrush?” from VeggieTales. I have noise-blocking headphones on but I
can still hear him loud and clear.

Just for fun, I’m going to count how many times I get interrupted during the time it takes
me to sit down and type this.

Solitude and silence.
 
The things that are vital and yet feel impossible.
Are these really that important?  Why?  
And if they are, how on earth do I fit them into my crazy life?

Let me explain why silence and solitude seem impossible in my world.  We have a lot of kids. Nine, actually.  Five still live at home with us.  We are a blended family and when
we blended our kids, we blended our pets.  So we also have five dogs and five cats, a
few goats and a bunch of chickens and ducks. That alone is a lot of noise.  

On top of this we were also blessed with a lot of neurodivergence in our family in the form of Autism, ADHD and all the fun that goes along with that.  We have one kiddo who literally cannot be quiet.  He makes noise ALL the time.

Along with a big family, we both work (I work from home), we homeschool the youngest kids, we chauffer the older ones to and from jobs and we have a crazy number of appointments every week.
Oh...and I have chronic hives.
They show up at the worst times and make me miserable. In case you doubted that I
am crazy, I am also in grad school full time.

Solitude and silence feel impossible on most days...

Every day I wonder why God chose this life for me.  I wake up and know that I am not
capable of doing all that needs to be done. There are so many people in my life who need me, and they all need vastly different things from me.  Just when I think I have something
figured out, it changes again.  I am not up to the task God has given me.

I am constantly overwhelmed...
 
Thankfully, mornings are for me.  I don’t sleep well.  I often wake up in the night and
can’t fall back asleep. I’ve come to see those very early mornings as a blessing though
because at 3 am it is usually quiet, though I do hear a rooster occasionally.

It’s those mornings when I can’t sleep that I get up and just sit.  

Sit in silence.  
Sit with God.  

I end up pouring out my heart to him.  That’s when I tell him I can’t do this. I tell him he was wrong to ask this of me. That I need sleep in order to handle all that the day brings.  I
tell him that I hurt.  That I need his wisdom in dealing with the kids’ struggles.

I often cry...
But this is when God tells me who I am, and who He is.  It is because of these
times of silence that I learned for the first time at almost fifty that I am truly loved and
have been constantly pursued by God.  It is here, in silence and solitude, that I learned that God wants to partner with me to bring heaven to earth for my family and his people.  It was in silence and solitude that I learned that suffering is really a blessing in disguise as it grows my faith and dependence on God.  

So I get up before my family.  
Long before them.  
I need that time.  
I can’t make it without it.  

Sure, I lose sleep.  I am sometimes tired; however, I find that the time I spend with God is better rest than sleep could ever give me.  He knows what my body needs better than I do, and he gives me what I need, even if that is a sleepless night.

I am reminded of Isaiah 30:15:
 “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (ESV)

I have found this to be true.

Besides my mornings, I need to completely get away frequently.  We have to schedule it and have to plan it in advance.  We try to escape for a night every month, but it doesn’t
always work.  Thank goodness for older kids to watch the younger!

Every second of every day, there are decisions to be made, and it overwhelms and exhausts me.  I look forward to times away where there are so few decisions and no responsibilities. I desperately need it.

I am convinced that it is because of these times that I have finally been able to change
from some very sinful areas in my life.  One example, my older kids, the ones who knew
me a decade ago knew an angry woman with a very short fuse.  I yelled often out of
frustration. I begged God over and over to help me be patient.  I tried hard.  I read all
the books; I tried the methods.  And I felt like a failure. But I found that when I spend
time in silence, not with a list of things to get done, but truly rest, God has given me
what I need.  
The newer family members don’t have to see that part of me.  My youngest kids have no idea what I was like before, and I am beyond grateful for that.

God has changed me, and that happened in those times of silence and solitude.

“The more I practice this discipline, the more I appreciate the strength of silence.  The
less I become skeptical and judgmental, the more I learn to accept the things I didn’t like
about others, the more I accept them as uniquely created in the image of God. The less
I talk, the fuller are the words spoken at the appropriate time. The more I value others,
the more I serve them in small ways, the more I enjoy and celebrate my life.  The more I
celebrate, the more I realize that God has been giving me wonderful things in my life,
the less I worry about my future.  I will accept and enjoy what God is continuously giving
to me.  I think I am really beginning to enjoy God (Dallas Willard in The Spirit of the
Disciplines).”

I love this.
I chase it now.  
I look forward to it.

Appointments by myself gives me chunks of time in the car driving and waiting where I can sit still (sort of). It takes fifteen minutes to take my daughter to work, and on the way home, I get to rest.  I find the moments where I am by myself, and I use them. I soak it in.  And with God’s help, I come home ready to tackle whatever I find there, even Amazon drivers and the world’s loudest
dogs.

Six times. That’s how many times I was interrupted.  And now I have to go pick up my
sick daughter who is being sent home from work early. But it’s fifteen minutes by myself
in the car.  I can’t wait.

- Becki K.
My prayer for you, church, is that you would read this very real story of a very busy mom who has made silence and solitude a regular part of her life and be encouraged to seek it yourself. I cannot tell you exactly what you will find as you begin practicing this in your life, but I can promise you that God will be waiting in the silence to meet with you, and that is more than enough... 
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/22/silence-solitude#comments 1 Family Discipleship January Week 3 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/19/family-discipleship-january-week-3 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/19/family-discipleship-january-week-3
January 19th - 25th

Send Us to the Pigs!

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Because Jesus has come to free us from the power of the evil one, we should celebrate and tell our friends.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.
 (Mark 5;19)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: In the story, where do we see Jesus showing his power? Why do you think Jesus is able to be this powerful?

Question Two: What are some hard things that you need Jesus' power to help you with?

Question Three: What was this man like before he met Jesus? Did he act different after? Through Jesus' love, he changed this mans life. How can his love do that for you?

Question Four: Have you ever felt really angry or sad or just felt like you needed someone to come alongside you and help you? Who did you go to? Who is someone you can always go to?
 
Question Five: What did the man do after Jesus rescued him? What has Jesus done for you that you can share with others? What is keeping you from telling people about that experience?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/19/family-discipleship-january-week-3#comments 0 Relating To God Through Prayer https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/15/relating-to-god-through-prayer Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/15/relating-to-god-through-prayer

Prayer Works...

Outpost Family,

Thank you for checking in with us for our next blog post. I hope this will be helpful in your installment of new spiritual practices.

Simply put, prayer is the practice of communication to God.

If we genuinely have a relationship rooted in love with God we should want an open and constant line of communication with Him. We intuitively get this concept when it comes to our spouses or children. There is probably never a moment when communication with your family ‘ceases.’

You talk with your family, not out of obligation, but out of your love for them. You desire to know how your kids are doing and what their day was like. You want to know what is on your spouses heart and how they are feeling in any given moment. Even when you don’t really feel like talking with those you love most, your duty to the relationship will outweigh your emotions.
There are several things that will keep us from praying to God. Perhaps we have unconfessed or hidden sin in our lives. It could be that we are angry or disappointed in God or confused by His lack of intervention. All of those things will likely cause you to want to pull away and break communication.

But…

We said this week that the two only ways to do prayer wrong are:
  • To fail to pray. Just as it would be a serious problem in your marriage if you stopped all communication for days or weeks at a time, so it is with God. This shouldn’t press you towards a legalistic view that prayer is something you need to do in order to check the box. You don’t view it that way in your other relationships and we should take that stance when communicating with God.
  • To hide your true self before God. Jesus tells us that: “He already knows what you need before you even come before Him…” so don’t try and dress your prayers up in pretense with fancy language or with a heart that is hiding its true emotions from the one who already sees and knows you.

We then looked at Jesus’ model prayer and how He invites us to approach God. I won’t rehash that all here but you can check the sermon out below in case you missed it.
I do, however, want to give you the acronym that can help you structure your prayers in line with Jesus’ teaching.

We showed you the A.C.T.S model of prayer this week.

A.C.T.S stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

Adoration – We should begin our prayers in recognition of the one we are praying to and why He is worthy of addressing our prayers to. Adoration is about recognizing and thanking God for who He is.
      For instance, God is all-knowing. Perhaps you are going through something in your life that you feel nobody understands. Beginning your prayer by recognizing that God absolutely knows and understands you and worshipping Him in light of that will not only change the way you pray but will often change your expectations of the outcomes.

Confession – If prayer is about living constantly and intentionally open before God then sin is the great barrier to that. Confession is about recognizing all of the ways you have missed God’s mark for goodness and righteousness (right relationship with Him and others) and confessing that before God in repentance.
If I know that I have obviously offended and messed up with my wife, it would be a mistake to enter back into conversation with her pretending that nothing was wrong. It would be disingenuous and hurtful. I want to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with her because I do not want to introduce distance between us into our relationship.

Thanksgiving – For some this does not seem very different from the first step of adoration, but if adoration is thanking God for who He is, then thanksgiving is about thanking God for what He has specifically done. It is only from a heart of thankfulness that we are truly poised to make our petitions known before God. Otherwise, we can easily become guilty of using God for our own self-serving agendas…by the way, those prayers rarely, if ever, get answered.

Supplication – This is just a fancy word for request (we use it because it helps complete the A.C.T.S acronym). This request can be anything…but here is the important thing: Supplication must come last and the first three parts of prayer must be accomplished in sincerity before making our requests.

      When we have recognized who we are talking to and aligned our heart and agenda under God’s, only then will we ask for those things which He is already most eager to answer.
      Sin obstructs our view of God and the world around us, and until it is confessed before God, our prayers will always be hindered (See James 5:16).
      Only a heart that has found satisfaction in God and lives in thankfulness for all He has already done can truly pray “not my will but thy will be done.”

Once you have sincerely been through this process, you can truly expect to take hold of Jesus’ promise from John 16:

"...Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete."

Jesus wants to answer our prayers…He has promised that God will answer. Praying “in Jesus’ name” is the only prerequisite in this passage. And praying genuinely through the A.C.T.S model ensures that we will do just that.

And so, prayer above all else, is a heart-realignment tool that places our desires and will under God’s and ask’s that His will be done. It is a tool that helps us delight in God’s will.
And so, will you take the challenge of growing your prayer life with just one small step?

Don’t overdo it. Don’t commit to praying 30 minutes a day when you don’t even pray every day during the week right now. Don’t start a prayer journal if you can’t even remember the last time you did pray.

Start small.

Start with a manageable next step of faith and watch it grow into something amazing over time.

I pray this has been helpful and if you have any questions or would like to discuss this material any further, please don’t hesitate to reach out!


In Christ,
The Outpost Church

In case you missed our service this week, check it out here:

]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/15/relating-to-god-through-prayer#comments 0 Family Discipleship January Week 2 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/12/family-discipleship-january-week-2 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/12/family-discipleship-january-week-2
January 12th - 18th

The Scary Boat Ride

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus is so strong that those who trust him never have to be afraid.
This weeks memory verse is: 
They were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea over him?"
 (Mark 4:41)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: Have you ever been in a really bad storm? Talk about that experience and what kinds of things you felt during that time.

Question Two: Why do you think the disciples were so afraid on the boat? Was Jesus afraid? What would have happened if the disciples would have told the winds and waves to be still? What does that tell us about Jesus?

Question Three: What did Jesus say to the disciples after he calmed the storm? Why did he say they had no faith? What would it have looked like if they did have faith?

Question Four: When we have scary things happen to us, like the storm, what should we remember?
 
Question Five: What would have happened to the disciples if Jesus hadn't still the storm? What would happen if Jesus hadn't died on the cross for us? What does it mean for us that he died for us?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/12/family-discipleship-january-week-2#comments 0 Relating To God Through Fasting https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/08/relating-to-god-through-fasting Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/08/relating-to-god-through-fasting
Outpost Family,

            First off, let me say that it was so great having you with us this past Sunday! If you missed the service, you missed out on an amazing time of worship…but, good news is you can catch the sermon here.

            This week, we talked about how we relate to God through the practice of fasting. This subject invites a lot of questions and confusion for most people and there is not a lot of teaching about how to fast in Scripture.

Simply put though: Fasting is a mechanism that helps us grow in self-discipline. Fasting purposefully denies self-gratification so that God-gratification is possible.

We live in a culture that celebrates those with enough intelligence, work ethic, and charisma to satisfy any desire that comes their way and yet that ethic could not be further from God’s Kingdom values. Denying ourselves for the sake of Jesus and others does not come naturally to us…we need help!

Fasting is a tool to help is grow in our self-renunciation.

Think of it this way, if you want to get stronger, you go to the gym  to exercise. If we could be strong enough or healthy enough just from our normal daily activity, gyms would not be a thing. Just as we need equipment and miles beneath our running shoes to grow in strength, we need fasting to grow in self-denial for the sake of following Jesus.

Typically, this was done with food, but anything that creates hunger in you and anything you look to for satisfaction and fulfillment that will be hard to resist the urge to put down for a time can be fasted. Also, there is no one right way to do this…

For instance, if you are trying to strengthen your bench press, I cannot tell you how much weight you need to be lifting. I don’t know how strong you are. I don’t know what your endurance is. You need your last few repetitions to be completely exhausting and I don’t know what point that is for you…only you know that for you. It works the same way for fasting.

If the fast isn’t hard or isn’t painful to the point where you want to give in but instead can choose to exercise self-control then you did not push hard enough or fast the right thing. Example: I could fast the next month from social media and it wouldn’t affect me in the least (I’m already not on social media and I do not hunger for it). Other’s, however, would have to really grow and exercise their self-control to not pick up their phone multiple times a day to check Instagram.

*This is the reason I didn’t say: “You have to fast from food for a 24 hour period.”*

The practice of fasting was often linked with other spiritual disciplines.
  • Fasting and prayer are often seen as happening together in Scripture.
  • Fasting and worship also happen together.
  • Fasting is helpful in the process of repentance.
  • Fasting can be part of the mourning process.
  • Fasting is a way to seek God’s will and God’s action.

Our participation in any one of those disciplines requires serious self-denial and fasting can be an integral part to growing in that. I hope you will take the time over this next month to fast at least one day. Because Jesus puts prayer and fasting on equal footing (equally important practices) I pray this month will be just the beginning of a lifelong rhythm of regular fasting.
Maybe you could plan to fast one meal per week where you will take that time to pray.
Maybe you could plan to fast one day per month. Make it the same day each month...
Maybe you could plan a longer fast (work up to multiple days over time) once a year.
*You can't go to the gym once and make real progress; fasting is no different.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or would like follow-up conversation on this topic. Be sure to be at services this upcoming weekend as we spend time talking about the practice of prayer (what is it, how do we do it, and why do we do it). See you on Sunday!

In Christ,
Devin Wood
**We are inviting anyone that will be joining us for our Night of Worship on Saturday, February 1st to participate in a period of fasting the day prior to the event. Maybe that's a meal or maybe you can fast for the entire day in preparation of that powerful night of worship.**

If you've not signed up to attend that night of worship, the details and signup are linked below. 
Night of Worship Sign-Up
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/08/relating-to-god-through-fasting#comments 0 Family Discipleship January Week 1 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/03/family-discipleship-january-week-1 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:44:46 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/03/family-discipleship-january-week-1
January 5th - 11th

A Story about Soils

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus's true followers accept his word and bear fruit.
This weeks memory verse is: 
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
 (John 15:5)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: Spend some time talking about the work involved in planting a garden or growing any sort of plant.

Question Two: What kinds of stories did Jesus tell? Why did he use parables to teach?

Question Three: In the parable of the sons, where was the seed thrown? What did Jesus say the seed represented?

Question Four: What happened to the different seeds that were thrown in the parable?
 
Question Five: The seed that was thrown onto the good soil had much different results. What were those results, and what can we learn from that about how the gospel can take root in us?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2025/01/03/family-discipleship-january-week-1#comments 0 Family Discipleship December Week 4 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/22/family-discipleship-december-week-4 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/22/family-discipleship-december-week-4
December 15th - 21st

Behold a Child is Born

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus was born to save his people from their sin.
This weeks memory verse is: 
She (Mary) will bear a son, and you (Joseph) shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. 
 (Matthew 1:21)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: Read the Christmas story from the Luke 2:1-20 as a family. Taking turns and encouraging everyone to read if they are able.

Question Two: What was Joseph told to name the baby? What did that name mean? Why is that important?

Question Three: Why is it important that Jesus came as a baby?

Question Four: Why did Jesus leave heaven and come to be here with us?
 
Question Five: How does this part of the story, fit in the the biggest story, and God's amazing rescue plan?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/22/family-discipleship-december-week-4#comments 0 Family Discipleship December Week 3 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/15/family-discipleship-december-week-3 Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/15/family-discipleship-december-week-3
December 15th - 21st

Follow the Leader

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus picked twelve ordinary men to do extraordinary things.
This weeks memory verse is: 
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
 (Mark 8:34)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: What did Jesus tell Matthew, James and John to do when he met them? What do you call people who follow Jesus? Who can become a disciple?

Question Two: How many men did Jesus call to be his first disciples? Can you remember all their names?

Question Three: How many tribes did Israel have? What was Jesus trying to show by choosing twelve to be his disciples?

Question Four: What was another name for the twelve disciples? What does apostle mean? What did Jesus give the twelve apostles the power to do as he sent them out?
 
Question Five: Where were God's people from in the Old Testament? What's different about God's people in the New Testament?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/15/family-discipleship-december-week-3#comments 0 Family Discipleship December Week 2 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/08/family-discipleship-december-week-2 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/08/family-discipleship-december-week-2
December 8th - 14th

Get Up!

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus has the power to forgive sins.
This weeks memory verse is: 
The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.
 (Mark 2:10)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be paralyzed? Spend a few minutes talking about what that would be like. Maybe even act out what being paralyzed would be like.

Question Two: What was it like to pretend to be paralyzed? What are somethings you could and couldn't do?

Question Three: Why were so many people trying to get to Jesus? Why were the friends of the paralyzed man trying to get him to Jesus? Did Jesus say he came to call those who are good or those who know they need a Savior? Why did Jesus Heal the paralyzed man?

Question Four: Who is the only one that could forgive sins? Why did some people get mad when Jesus told the paralyzed man, "your sins are forgiven"?
 
Question Five: Did the paralyzed man immediately get better? Who should we ask forgiveness from when we do things that are wrong? How do you feel after you ask forgiveness? Will Jesus forgive us if we ask?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/08/family-discipleship-december-week-2#comments 0 Family Discipleship December Week 1 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/01/family-discipleship-december-week-1 Sun, 01 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/01/family-discipleship-december-week-1
December 1st - 7th

Mr. Clean

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Our sins make us dirty; Christ can make us clean.
This weeks memory verse is: 
I will...cleanse them; and they shall be my people and I will be their God.
 (Ezekiel 37:23)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: Have you ever had something that makes your skin itch really bad? Spend some time talking about this and what it felt like.

Question Two: Since God is perfectly holy, what were his people to be? What did they have to do to remain holy?

Question Three: When Jesus healed the leper, what did he tell him to do? What did he tell him not to do? What did the leper do?

Question Four: When someone does something amazing for you, what do you want to do?
 
Question Five: Why didn't people touch lepers? Why did Jesus touch the leper to heal him? How can Jesus make us, not just the leper, clean and righteous?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/12/01/family-discipleship-december-week-1#comments 0 Family Discipleship November Week 4 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/11/24/family-discipleship-november-week-4 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/11/24/family-discipleship-november-week-4
November 24th - 30th

The Sermon That Was

Watch the Youtube video of this week's lesson.
This weeks big truth is:
Jesus proclaimed that he had come to crush the snake's rule and bind in his own kingdom.
This weeks memory verse is: 
Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
 (Matthew 7:12)

Here are a few questions for your family to discuss this week based on the teaching your kids received in class on Sunday. Space these questions out throughout the week and find natural times to bring them up. Use these questions to spark conversation over dinner or on a car ride.

Question One: What did Jesus tell his disciples was the reason he came? What was Jesus doing on the mountain?

Question Two: Why do you think Jesus focuses so much on himself when he taught?

Question Three: Where was Moses when he gave the Ten Commandments? Where was Jesus when he gave the Sermon on the Mount?

Question Four: What were some of the commands Jesus gave in the Sermon of the Mount?
 
Question Five: How did Moses and the prophets know what God wanted them to say to the people? What was different when Jesus spoke God's word/ Why did Jesus not need God to tell him what to say?
This Weeks lesson Podcast link
Learn More About the Biggest story
order the biggest story bible to use at home
]]> https://theoutpostchurch.org/blog/2024/11/24/family-discipleship-november-week-4#comments 0