Evergreen Church - Bloomington Messages

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”James 1:22 

“Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:17-18 

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”Hebrews 4:12 

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7

As I transition into “repurposing” (retirement), I have been reflecting on my greatest spiritual lessons over the past 50 years as a Christian. There have been many lessons with many “ups” and “downs.” But perhaps the greatest lessons have resulted in feeling very comfortable with myself--free from others’ opinions and free from my own worst thoughts about myself. I invite you to share in my journey as we explore our identity in Christ and how it results in total freedom. – Brent Knox

Feeling bogged down by the past? Are you ready to break free and build a better future? Join us for this powerful sermon series. Over five weeks, we'll embark on a transformative journey together, exploring:Healing from past hurts and traumasOvercoming feelings of loneliness and isolationDeveloping a positive mindset and controlling your thoughtsTaking action and achieving your goalsThis series will equip you with practical tools and insights from the Bible to own your past, change your future, and live a transformed life.

How can we continue going deeper in our awe of God, now that “40 Days of Awe” is over? To grow in any area of life, we develop new practices for growth and progress. Experiencing deeper faith is no different. Spiritual disciplines are age-old habits to strengthen and magnify our daily lives with Jesus. Enjoy your journey through "40-Days of Awe"? Let's go deeper still!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Wives, what are some ways your husband has grown in understanding since you got married? Wives, what are some areas that you could use a little more understanding from your husband? Be as specific as possible with things you have gone through or are going through. If there are any ways that either of you (husbands included) have felt misunderstood, gently bring those up. What are some things you could do to try to grow in understanding of your spouse? If you are struggling to come up with something, maybe your spouse can help you out. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do each of you like sex? What factors are affecting your desire for sex? Have you given authority over your body to your spouse?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Have you had any "leave and cleave" issues in your marriage? Each of you try to think of at least 1 example.Why do you think this is an important principle in your marriage?What are some ways you apply the "leave and cleave" principle in your marriage?Currently, what would you say are the biggest challenges in creating some separation with your extended family?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:How has your past influenced how you deal with conflict?How have you struggled as a couple with unresolved conflict in your marriage? What is currently unresolved? Looking at I Peter 3, what are you learning that might help?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What are we doing out of a sense of obligation that’s actually draining the life out of our marriage?What limits do we need to embrace in our marriage?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What are your communication tendencies in marriage?In what ways have you learned to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn?”In what ways do you feel God calling you to grow in your marital communication?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Have you been quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger? If not, what do you need to confess to both God and your spouse in terms of your tongue? And your listening?What do you specifically need to “make every effort to put on” in your marriage…compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness or patience? What does this look like for you, practically?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Did anything stand out to you?How have you adjusted to each other in the past?How might God be calling you, today, to adjust to harmonize with your spouse in this season of life?

Have you ever felt like you’re taking God for granted? Maybe losing sight of his magnificence, glory, and majesty? Many of us need to recapture our holy fear and reverence of God. Everyone’s soul longs for to experience something bigger and greater than ourselves. The answer is to remember we have a God who should be revered. That’s why we are taking a journey as a church to reawaken our awe of God. We’ll have 6 Sunday messages, daily video devotions, small group discussions, and a special worship night. Open your eyes to a God who is bigger and greater than you can imagine. Discover awe.

Why do Christmas cards often say “Peace on Earth”? Our world is anything but peaceful. There’s conflict between people and between nations. There are heated discussions at the dinner table and war in the news. If Jesus came to bring peace, where is it? Is it really possible or realistic to have harmony in this world? Peace with others, or even ourselves? In this series, we’ll turn down the noise and remember what it means to have “Peace on Earth”.December 3, Pastor Brent Knox, live at Hometown-Bloomington; on video at Hometowns-New Hope & Lakeville.December 10, Pastor Deacon Ales live, at Hometown-New Hope; on video at Hometowns-Lakeville & Bloomington.December 17, Pastor Spencer Bernard live, at Hometown-Lakeville; on video at Hometowns-New Hope & Bloomington.

“I can give you more. More stuff, more power, status…and safety”. Money does talk, and it talks loud! But should we listen? Why not? Don’t we all want what money offers? Isn’t that the point of earning and saving more? Money talks, but so does our Lord. In this 4-part series, we’ll discover what God’s Word has to say about money.

How do you build a healthy family? Have you ever wondered why some families struggle? Tension between mom and dad, the kids off in their rooms behind closed doors. In our “Family Four” series we’ll outline four different biblical principles that form the foundation of a healthy, gospel-centered famil