Plum Creek Church: Podcast

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Eric sits down with Michele Cushatt to continue the conversation from her message on prayers of thanksgiving. Together, they unpack the important difference between being thankful for every circumstance and being thankful in every circumstance.Michele reflects on why gratitude is not about denying pain or pretending suffering is good, but about anchoring ourselves to a reality bigger than what we can see right now. Through her own experience with cancer, loss, and permanent physical limitations, she shares how the hope of resurrection changes the way we face the brokenness of the present. Eric and Michele also talk about why remembering God’s past faithfulness matters so much, how easily we forget what God has already done, and how practices like storytelling, prayer, and reflection help tether us again to what is true.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  ///If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Where do you notice your gratitude rising and falling with your circumstances, and what would it look like for Thanksgiving to become more steady in your life?2. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and discuss the difference between giving thanks in all circumstances and giving thanks for all circumstances.3. Think back over a hard season you have already survived. What evidence of God’s faithfulness can you see now that may have been hard to notice at the time? 4. The teaching invited people to remember, celebrate, and anticipate. Which of those three practices feels most needed in your prayer life right now, and why?5. How might seeing communion as a Thanksgiving table change the way you remember Jesus, celebrate his presence, and anticipate his return?   ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Daniel sits down with Eric to keep talking about the prayer of lament and why it matters for anyone trying to follow Jesus through real pain.Together, they unpack the difference between simply getting through pain and learning to honestly bring it to God. Eric shares why lament is not wallowing, weakness, or a pointless spiritual exercise, but a structured prayer that helps us address God, name what hurts, ask boldly, and trust him with what we cannot fix on our own.The conversation also explores why many of us struggle to believe God can handle our frustration, questions, or grief. From Hannah’s story to Psalm 22 to the wilderness imagery of Scripture, Daniel and Eric reflect on how lament gives us a way to be with God in the desert, not just rush toward the promised land. They also talk about what it means to sit with others in their pain without rushing to fix it, explain it, or cover it with spiritual platitudes.Lament does not pretend everything is resolved. It gives us language for honesty, a path toward healing, and a way to trust that God is present with us in the middle of what still hurts.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Think about the ways you tend to cope with pain (bury it, numb it, stay busy, blame, or spiritualize it) and discuss which one shows up most in your life and why. 2. How might your relationship with God change if you practiced bringing raw, honest emotions to Him instead of filtering or avoiding them?3. Reflect on a time when you avoided dealing with pain and consider what healing might have looked like if you had addressed God, named it, asked for help, and chosen to trust Him. 4. Look up Psalm 22 and discuss how the movement from honest questioning to asking and trusting can shape the way you pray during difficult seasons.5. In what ways could learning to lament actually deepen your worship and trust in God rather than weaken your faith?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Daniel sits down with Doug to continue the conversation around prayer, confession, and the freedom that comes when we bring the real us before God.Building from last week’s focus on adoration, Doug shares how remembering who God is helps us come honestly before him with the places we have fallen short. Together, Daniel and Doug talk about Psalm 51, David’s honest prayers, the way unconfessed sin can quietly block us from rearranging our lives around Jesus, and why confession is not about shame or performance but relationship.This conversation is a reminder that God does not ask us to come to him already fixed. He invites us to come honestly, trusting that his mercy is greater than what we carry.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Doug said he wanted the relief of confession without the honesty of confession; where do you see that same instinct show up in your own life?2. What hidden thing, unresolved thing, or normalized pattern might God be inviting you to bring into the light instead of carrying it alone?3. Look up Psalm 51:10 through 12 and notice that David asks God to create, renew, and restore. Which of those words feels most needed in your life right now?4. How does it change your view of confession to hear that God does not call us to confession to shame us, but to free us?5. Where might you be managing the image of being okay instead of letting God deal with the real you?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode, Daniel sits down with Doug to unpack a simple shift that can reshape how we experience prayer.Doug reflects on why the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray—and how that same tension still exists for many of us today. From there, the conversation moves into why this season isn’t meant to be a just a weekend series, but something we actually practice and grow into over time.They explore how easy it is to treat prayer like a reaction to pressure, and why Jesus intentionally begins with adoration instead. Not as a rule to follow, but as a way to re-center our attention, reconnect our hearts, and remember what’s true before we bring what we need.If you’ve ever felt unsure where to start in prayer—or found yourself defaulting to quick, reactive prayers—this conversation offers a simple, practical next step to begin again.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What would change in your prayer life if you began with adoration before bringing God your needs?2. Think about the idea that many of us treat prayer like a spiritual 911 call. Where do you see that pattern in your own life?3. Look up Matthew 6:9 to 10 and notice the order Jesus gives. Why do you think He starts with the Father’s name, Kingdom, and will before daily needs?4. When your soul starts spiraling toward worry, resentment, or fear, what would it practically look like to pray, “Father, lift my eyes”?5. Consider the phrase, “healthy prayer doesn’t just ask for God’s activity. It yields to God’s authority.” What is one area where you may be asking for help while still white-knuckling control?   ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Daniel sits down with Tomy right after kicking off the Prayer series to explore the deeper why behind prayer before the series moves into the how.They unpack the tension between knowing something matters—like prayer—and actually building a life around it, and why that gap is often harder to close than we expect. The conversation also leans into the humanity of Jesus, exploring how his rhythm of prayer wasn’t just natural—it was intentional and often costly.Along the way, they reflect on prayer as the “language of abiding,” what it means to stay aware of God’s presence in everyday life, and why prayer might be less about getting what we want and more about aligning our hearts with God’s. If you’ve ever felt the disconnect between wanting a deeper relationship with God and actually living it out, this conversation helps name that tension and gently reframe it.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:In what ways might you be treating your relationship with God like a checklist instead of a genuine connection, and what would it look like to shift toward real communion?Think about your current season of busyness. How is it shaping your spiritual life, and is it pushing you toward God or quietly pulling you away?The teaching from Tomy challenged the idea of doing the bare minimum with God. Where in your life are you settling for just enough instead of pursuing deeper relationship?When life becomes chaotic or stressful, what is your natural response, and how might it change if prayer became your first reaction instead of a last resort?Consider the idea that prayer is about aligning your will with God’s rather than getting what you want. Where do you feel tension between your desires and what God may be asking of you?Look up Mark 1:35 and reflect on Jesus choosing solitude with the Father. What practical changes could help you build a similar rhythm into your daily life?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  ///If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Picture yourself in the centurion’s place at the foot of the cross and talk through what would have stood out to you enough to shift your perspective about Jesus.2. As Doug pointed out, what are some ways people build up “armor” like the centurion did, and what does it actually look like for Jesus to break through that in real life?3. Reflect on the idea that Jesus did not die like a victim but surrendered with purpose and discuss how that changes the way you view both the cross and your own struggles.4. Look up Luke 23:34 or Luke 23:46 and talk about what Jesus’ words in that moment reveal about His heart and authority.5. If a changed life is still the clearest proof that Jesus is alive, share where you have seen that personally or where you are hoping to see it in your own story.  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Eric sits down with Keith Norman to unpack a powerful and unique message from John 8. Keith reflects on why he chose to embody the story of the woman caught in adultery and what it revealed about both her experience and the posture of the Pharisees. The conversation explores the tension between religious performance and the unearned nature of grace, highlighting how easy it is to see ourselves as “better” than others while missing our own need for Jesus.Together, they discuss how Jesus doesn’t just forgive—he re-centers the overlooked, extending love that isn’t earned but freely given. Keith shares personal stories of wrestling with pride and self-righteousness, offering a candid look at how even well-intentioned faith can drift into performance. The episode closes with a practical and deeply personal invitation: to stop striving and instead learn to receive grace, allowing everything we do to flow from what Jesus has already done.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. How does Keith’s emphasis on Jesus not rushing to condemn challenge the way you typically respond to your own sin or the sin of others?2. Consider the idea that people can become so focused on exposing sin that they lose sight of a person’s soul... where do you see this playing out in your own life or culture?3. Look up John 8:1–11 and reflect on why the accusers left one by one. What does that reveal about self-awareness and humility before God?4. In what ways might you be tempted to walk away from Jesus like the Pharisees instead of staying with Him in your guilt and brokenness, as Keith highlighted?5. The teaching emphasizes being “caught but covered” How does that reshape your understanding of grace, especially when you feel undeserving or have not even asked for it?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Daniel sits down with Eric to talk through the deeper layers of Jesus healing the man born blind in John 9—and how it directly connects to the bold claims Jesus makes in John 8.Eric shares how this passage stood out to him while studying the Gospel of John, and why this moment isn’t just a miracle, but a lived demonstration of Jesus’ identity as the light of the world. From there, the conversation moves into how we often interpret suffering—why we instinctively look for blame, and how Jesus offers a completely different framework.They also explore the idea of “loops”—the repeated thoughts and internal narratives that shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Eric reflects on how Jesus didn’t just heal the man physically, but may have been inviting him into a completely new way of thinking and living. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same patterns or unsure how to move forward, this conversation offers a compelling vision for what it looks like to step into something new.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What stood out to you about the teaching that the blind man was not being punished for sin but was instead part of a bigger story where God’s work would be revealed?2. Reflect on a “mental loop” you may be stuck in and consider how it has shaped your thoughts or actions more than you realized.3. Pastor Eric talked about how Jesus addressed the man’s mindset before the miracle happened, so how does that shift the way you think about change and healing in your own life?4. Look up John 9 and consider what it reveals about how Jesus sees and responds to people who feel overlooked or misunderstood.5. In what ways might you be living as if you are still stuck, even though freedom or healing has already been made available to you?   ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Daniel sits down with Michele to unpack the powerful encounter in Luke 7:36–50 where Jesus is invited to dinner at Simon the Pharisee’s house. What begins as a normal meal quickly becomes an unforgettable moment when a woman with a scandalous reputation enters the room, falls at Jesus’ feet, and expresses extravagant gratitude.Daniel and Michele explore the contrast between Simon and the woman—two people who are both close to Jesus but respond in completely different ways. Michele reflects on the subtlety of Simon’s pride and how religious activity can sometimes mask a heart that doesn’t actually recognize its need for grace. At the same time, the woman’s vulnerability and bold worship reveal what happens when someone fully understands their need and receives forgiveness.Their conversation also dives into a central idea from the message: “broke is broke.” Whether someone appears morally respectable or openly broken, both stand equally in need of the forgiveness Jesus offers. Daniel and Michele discuss how overconfidence in our goodness and obsession with our failures can both keep us from truly encountering Jesus.They also talk about the connection between forgiveness and worship, the danger of staying spiritually curious without surrender, and how an ancient Japanese art form—kintsugi—beautifully illustrates how Jesus restores our broken lives with grace.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Michele pointed out that overconfidence in our own goodness can keep us from having a real encounter with Jesus, so where might pride or self righteousness quietly show up in your own life?2. The teaching emphasized that “broke is broke” when describing the two debtors who could not repay their debts, so how does that idea challenge the way we often compare our sins or assume our need for forgiveness is smaller than someone else’s?3. In Luke 7:36 to 50, what differences do you notice between Simon’s response to Jesus and the woman’s response, and what might those contrasts reveal about humility and gratitude?4. Think about the moment when Simon was unmoved by the woman’s tears while she was overwhelmed with gratitude; what might that reveal about how pride can shape the way we view people whose lives look messy?5. Reflect on the idea that worship flows from focusing on forgiveness rather than failure; how might your relationship with Jesus change if your attention shifted more toward what he has forgiven rather than what you have done wrong?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode, Eric sits down with Doug to talk about the opening message in the new Encounter series, centered on a powerful moment in Luke 7. As Jesus enters a city, he crosses paths with a funeral procession leaving it—a grieving widow burying her only son. In the middle of two crowds moving in opposite directions, Jesus stops, sees her, and responds with compassion.In this conversation, Eric and Doug explore why this particular encounter felt so important to begin the series. They talk about the quiet reality that many people today walk through life feeling unseen—even in a world more connected than ever. Doug reflects on how this moment reveals the heart of God: a Savior who notices individuals in the middle of the crowd.The discussion also turns outward. If followers of Jesus are called to live the Jesus way, what does it look like to notice the people around us? Eric and Doug wrestle with the tension between a culture that tells us to center life around ourselves and the invitation to live with eyes open to the pain and needs of others. Along the way, they talk about isolation, the courage it takes to pursue community during hard seasons, and how God often meets people through the presence of others.Ultimately, the conversation circles around a simple but challenging prayer: what would happen if we asked Jesus to give us his eyes—and then stepped into our day ready to see people the way he does?This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Doug shared the idea that an encounter with Jesus interrupts our normal path and forces a response; when have you experienced a moment that unexpectedly changed the direction of your life?2. In the story from Luke 7, Jesus notices one grieving widow in the middle of a crowd; what does this moment teach us about how Jesus sees individuals even when they feel invisible?3. Look up Luke 7:11–17 and consider the moment when Jesus is moved with compassion before he speaks; what does this reveal about the heart of Jesus toward people who are suffering?4. The teaching emphasized that followers of Jesus should move toward people who are hurting instead of avoiding uncomfortable situations; what practical ways could you show up for someone who is grieving or struggling right now?5. Reflect on the idea that avoiding or suppressing grief can keep us from encountering Jesus in it; what might it look like to honestly bring your pain or fears to God this week?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Eric sits down with Doug to talk about the kind of faith that actually costs something—faith that risks comfort in order to trust God's provision. Following a message framed by Gideon’s story, they explore what happens when the calling feels bigger than your capacity, and why god often meets us on the other side of obedience.Doug shares stories of life change and reminds us that faith grows the way a muscle grows—by being used. Every step strengthens the next step. This conversation will challenge you to consider where you’ve been clinging to security, what risks you’ve been avoiding, and what it might look like to move forward with the community around you.In this episode Daniel sits down with Eric Parks to unpack a message centered on one foundational question: what’s in first place in your life? Drawing from Luke 10 and the story of Mary and Martha, Eric reframes a familiar passage—not as a conversation about busyness, but about priority. What sits on the gold medal platform of your life? Whatever everything else bends toward may already have first place.In a cultural moment shaped by financial security, achievement, and inherited assumptions about success, this episode explores Jesus’ invitation to intentional reordering. Eric shares how discipleship begins with recognizing that we are already arranged around something—and following Jesus requires a conscious rearrangement. Together, Daniel and Eric talk about generosity, the way of Jesus, and why putting him first is not about adding another activity to your week, but about re-centering your entire life.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  ///If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Pastor Doug said private obedience precedes breakthrough, so what is one specific step of obedience you sense God asking for right now, especially if it feels uncomfortable or hidden?2. When you hear the phrase next is now (not when it is easier), what is one area of your life where you keep postponing growth, and what would it look like to act this week instead?3. Doug described God creating impossible math so no one misses who gets the victory, so where are you relying on your own strength or image, and what would it look like to let God get the credit instead?4. Look up Judges 6 and identify the altar or idol Gideon was told to tear down, then talk honestly about what a modern version of that kind of worship might look like in your own home or routines.5. The message emphasized that we bring the yes and God wins the battle, so what would a wholehearted yes look like for you in how you steward your money, your gifts, or your time for Kingdom impact?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.Daniel sits down with Doug to unpack the continued vision behind Next Is Now and the powerful story of Gideon. At the center of the conversation is a reminder that God doesn’t call the qualified—he calls the willing. Gideon’s journey from fear to faith shows what can happen when an ordinary person says yes to an extraordinary invitation.Together, Daniel and Doug explore what it looks like to navigate doubt when God’s voice feels clear but circumstances feel conflicting, how subtle idols can slowly take first place in our lives, and why discernment is more about relationship than formula. Doug shares personally about the tension of stepping out in faith during the early days of church planting and why learning to hear God’s voice is not meant to be strange or mystical—but daily and relational. In a season where our church is asking, “What is God calling us to next?”, this conversation invites all of us to listen, trust, and take a faithful step forward.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What is one choice you are making right now that could create a lasting impact for people in your community years from today?2. Consider Gideon’s response in Judges 6 and discuss what it reveals about how God works through people who feel unqualified.3. Doug challenged the church not to coast but to step forward in faith; where do you sense God inviting you to move instead of staying comfortable?4. Look up Hebrews 11:1 and reflect on how the definition of faith as movement (not certainty) changes the way you approach decisions that feel risky.5. Think about the idea that private idols must be torn down before public victory happens; what might God be asking you to realign in your own heart right now?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode Daniel sits down with Eric Parks to unpack a message centered on one foundational question: what’s in first place in your life? Drawing from Luke 10 and the story of Mary and Martha, Eric reframes a familiar passage—not as a conversation about busyness, but about priority. What sits on the gold medal platform of your life? Whatever everything else bends toward may already have first place.In a cultural moment shaped by financial security, achievement, and inherited assumptions about success, this episode explores Jesus’ invitation to intentional reordering. Eric shares how discipleship begins with recognizing that we are already arranged around something—and following Jesus requires a conscious rearrangement. Together, Daniel and Eric talk about generosity, the way of Jesus, and why putting him first is not about adding another activity to your week, but about re-centering your entire life.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. In the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), what does it reveal about your own life when you consider what currently sits in first place and organizes your schedule, decisions, and anxieties?2. The teaching suggested that security can become a “terrible savior and a cruel master,” so where might you be structuring your life primarily around feeling safe rather than around trusting Jesus?3. Reflect on a time when obedience to God required a step of faith before you felt ready, and discuss how that experience shaped your trust and understanding of what it means to live by faith.4. Consider the idea that when Jesus is first, life bends outward instead of inward; what practical rearrangements in your time, resources, or priorities would demonstrate that shift in your current season?5. Look up Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12 (the parable of the rich fool) and talk about how Jesus’ words challenge the way our culture defines success, security, and what it means to truly have peace.  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode, Eric and Daniel reflect on Hebrews 11 and the tension at the heart of real faith. So often, we treat faith like a formula: do the right thing and God will deliver the right result. But the “hall of fame of faith” tells a different story. Many of those heroes trusted God deeply—and still didn’t see the full promise fulfilled in their lifetime.Eric shares about the subtle myths we practice, the human craving for certainty, and the challenge of trusting God’s timeline when it doesn’t match our own. Through stories of Abraham, Moses, and others, the conversation reminds us that faith is less about controlling outcomes and more about remaining faithful to a God who is always faithful.We also explore generosity as a spiritual practice—not as a financial strategy, but as a way to break the grip of false security and realign our trust. Just like fasting reshapes our relationship with appetite, generosity reshapes our relationship with money.If Jesus was right about God, life, and the soul, what would it look like to rearrange your life around what he says is true?This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. The teaching emphasized that faith trusts God before outcomes are clear, so where in your life are you tempted to wait for certainty before obeying and what might it look like to trust God in that situation right now?2. Reflect on the story of Sarah and consider a time when you felt limited by your capacity or season of life (finances, energy, time, or ability) and discuss how focusing on God’s faithfulness could shift your perspective.3. Look up Hebrews 11:1 and Hebrews 11:7 and talk about how Noah’s obedience without visible confirmation challenges common cultural ideas about planning, control, and risk.4. The message described faith as choosing relationship with God over guaranteed results, so share an experience where obedience to God did not lead to the outcome you hoped for but still shaped your faith or character.5. The church is being invited into a season described as Next is Now, so discuss what it means personally and collectively to hold resources, time, and opportunities with open hands while trusting God to multiply what is surrendered.  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

Welcome to The After Sermon by Plum Creek Church.This bite-sized discussion is where we get to sit down with our communicators and ask a few follow up questions connected to the weekend message, unpack it on a deeper level, and explore how it all relates to our journey of following Jesus more fully.In this episode of The After Sermon, Doug and Eric reflect on Plum Creek’s 20-year journey and the launch of the new series, Next Is Now. Using the metaphor of running a race, the conversation highlights what it means to stay faithful, keep moving forward, and carry the legacy of faith that’s been passed down to us.Doug looks back with gratitude at the people who said yes along the way and shares his excitement for what’s ahead. This next season isn’t about buildings—it’s about making space for people to hear the gospel and experience life change. As the church looks forward, the encouragement is simple and clear: don’t coast, don’t sit it out—run your part of the race with expectation, knowing every story matters and every story needs Jesus.This conversation is also available on our YouTube channel along with the full message that this discussion is based on.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumcreekchurchYou can learn more about Plum Creek Church by visiting our website as well.Website: https://plumcreek.church/

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. When the teaching describes faith as a relay where others ran before us and handed us the baton, what responsibility does that place on how you are living your faith right now for those who will come after you?2. Look up Hebrews 12:1–2 and talk about what weights or distractions might be slowing your own race, not just obvious sin but good things that are keeping you from running with endurance.3. The message pushes back on comparing your race to everyone else’s and calls you to focus on your own leg, so where do you notice comparison stealing energy or clarity from how you follow Jesus?4. Think about the stories from Hebrews 11 that were mentioned, like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, or Rahab, and discuss which testimony most encourages you that faith can work even when fear, uncertainty, or a messy past are present.5. As the church steps into this Next Is Now moment, how do you personally sense God inviting you to say yes in this season, and what might obedience look like even if the outcome is not guaranteed yet? ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. How does the Fosbury Flop illustration challenge the way you usually approach faith, and where might you be tempted to keep doing things the old way even after Jesus changed the game?2. Look up John 16:7 and discuss why Jesus says it is better that he goes away, then talk about how that idea affects the way you think about the Holy Spirit’s role in your daily life.3. When the teaching described small promptings like choosing Scripture over doom scrolling, what are some subtle moments in your own routine where obedience could shape your character over time?4. The story about praying for a stranger at the airport ended without a visible success, so how do you personally measure faithfulness when outcomes are unclear and obedience feels awkward or risky?5. Look up Romans 8:6 and 8:12–14 and reflect on what it means to let the Spirit lead instead of relying on willpower, then share an area where you feel stuck and might need to ask what is blocking growth.  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  ///If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. When the word obey brings up resistance for you, what do you think that resistance is really protecting?2. Michele reframed obey as “keep, guard, hold fast, carefully preserve.” Which teaching of Jesus do you sense you need to guard more intentionally right now, and what would that look like this week in real life?3. In the three step cycle Michele shared (choose your ruler, remain in relationship, rearrange your life), which step are you most likely to skip, and what is one specific change you could make to practice it this week?4. Look up Joshua 24:14 to 15. What “ruler” or functional authority competes for your trust and loyalty, and how do you see that show up in your choices, schedule, or reactions?5. Thinking about the line “no choice is neutral,” what is one small prompting from the Holy Spirit you recently ignored or delayed, and how might you respond differently next time?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation: 1. According to the sermon, identity is the story you believe about who you are. What story do you think has been shaping you most lately, and how do you see it showing up in your reactions or habits?2. Pastor Eric described baptism as initiation, not graduation, and about direction, not perfection. Where might you be waiting to feel ready instead of stepping forward in trust?3. Look at Matthew 28:19 and notice that baptism comes early in the disciple making process. Why do you think Jesus connects belonging to Him with baptism before long term behavior change?4. Shifting the center of life from yourself to Jesus was a big theme in the message. What is one area where you still feel the pressure to carry everything on your own?5. Look at Titus 3:5 and reflect on the idea that renewal is something God does in us, not just something we work harder at. How does that reshape the way you think about growth right now?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. The sermon says following Jesus was meant to turn our lives outward. Where do you notice your faith turning inward instead, and what would it practically look like to reorient it outward this year?2. The message acknowledges that sharing faith often feels uncomfortable even though it is no longer dangerous. What do you think actually causes that discomfort for you personally, fear of awkwardness, fear of rejection, lack of confidence, or something else?3. Read Mark 1:16–17 and reflect on Jesus’ invitation to fish for people. Why do you think Jesus made this the starting point of his ministry rather than teaching, miracles, or spiritual disciplines?4. The message framed discipleship as invest and invite, not argue or perform. Who is one real person in your life you could invest in relationally this year, and what is one small, realistic step that would not feel forced or fake?5. Read Matthew 28:18–20 and discuss the idea that the church does not have a mission but the mission has a church. How does that challenge the way you think about church attendance, programs, and your role as a follower of Jesus?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  ///  Try a SOAP Study on a key verse from this message. SOAP is just another way of reading your Bible and applying what you read in a practical way.SOAP stands for: Scripture – Read a passage of scripture and write down a verse or two that jumps out to you.Observation – What are your personal observations that you note from this scripture?Application – How does it now apply to your everyday life? What can you do to apply this in your life today?Prayer – Write a personal prayer based on your observation and application.  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. The sermon describes life seasons that feel like silence or waiting. Where in your life does hope feel thin right now, and how does the idea of an “and then one day” moment challenge or encourage you?2. Mary and Joseph both faced fear when God interrupted their ordinary plans. What fears tend to guide your decisions more than you would like, and what might it look like to choose trust over fear in one small area this week?3. Look at Luke 1:26–31. What stands out to you about how quietly and unexpectedly God enters Mary’s story, and how does that shape the way you think about God working in your own everyday life?4. The sermon says Christmas is not about pretending everything is okay, but about holding onto hope. What is one thing you may need to release or entrust to God in order to make room for hope again?5. Look at Isaiah 9:2 or Isaiah 9:6. How do these verses connect to the idea that light enters darkness in small, easily missed ways, and where might God be inviting you to notice His nearness right now?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. The sermon named specific kinds of captivity like fear, shame, addiction, and cycles that will not break. Which one do you most easily minimize in yourself, and what does that reveal about how you define freedom?2. Imagine someone comes to Christmas Eve at Plum Creek and feels bound but invisible. Based on the sermon, what would extending freedom to them actually look like without fixing, preaching, or avoiding them?3. Look at Luke 4:18–21 and pay attention to the word today. Why do you think Jesus anchored freedom in the present moment instead of pointing people toward future change?4. The message said freedom is not just escape but restoration to who you were meant to be. What part of you feels most distant from that original design right now?5. The sermon framed One Day as a simple yes that becomes action. If you said yes this week, what would realistically change in how you give, pray, or pay attention to others?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. When have you felt the loss of a future you imagined, and how did that interruption shape your view of joy?2. Think about a closed door or setback in your past. What good can you now see that you could not see inside the interruption?3. Look at Jeremiah 29:11. What stands out when you read it the way Israel first heard it (before anything in their situation improved)?4. How can you practice reframing your internal story this week using the sermon’s idea of a truer truth instead of fear-driven assumptions?5. Read Genesis 12:2 to 3. How does Israel’s original calling help you rethink God’s purpose in your own unexpected seasons?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Look at Micah 5:4 to 5. What does it mean to you that Jesus is described as the source of peace instead of simply a messenger of peace?2. When have you mistaken escape, distraction, or numbing for peace and how can you tell the difference?3. Read John 14:27. Which part of the gift Jesus describes (peace of mind or peace of heart) feels harder for you to receive right now?4. When you hit a hard week, what does your mind naturally fix itself on and how does that compare to Isaiah 26:3?5. Which part of shalom (wholeness, restoration, healing, completeness) feels most relevant to your life today?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Where in your life right now do you need to trust that the God who kept His word for centuries will keep His word to you today?2. The sermon says Christmas is evidence that God finishes what He starts. What part of your story feels unfinished and how might God already be working in the quiet places you do not see yet?3. Look at Luke 4:18 to 21. How does Jesus declaring a prophecy fulfilled on that very day shape the way you view His authority and reliability?4. The season was described as a time when hearts are softened and conversations become possible. Who has God placed in your path that you might need to invite or simply be kind toward in a more intentional way?5. Look at Isaiah 7:14 alongside Matthew 1:22 to 23. How does seeing a detailed prophecy fulfilled exactly as written affect your sense of wonder during Christmas?   ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Paul says he considers everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. What would it actually look like for you to make that same math in your own life this week?2. Paul talks about forgetting what is behind. What is one specific thing from your past week or season that you need to stop looking back at so you can run your race?3. Look at Philippians 3:12 to 14. Where do you sense God asking you to press on or take hold of something rather than coast?4. Michelle said you do not grow through avoidance, you grow through endurance. Where do you see God forming you right now in the middle of something you wish would just go away?5. Read Hebrews 12:1 to 2. What is the heaviest thing entangling you as you try to keep your eye on the prize?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Where are you still trying to prove your worth to people who are not even thinking about you?2. What part of your life are you working hardest to protect, and how might Jesus be inviting you to open your hands instead of gripping tighter?3. Look at Matthew 16:24. What does denying yourself actually look like in your daily routines, not just in theory?4. What hidden wound or secret are you afraid to bring into the light, and what do you fear would happen if you did?5. Psalm 32:1-5 says: “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty. When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me. All my guilt is gone."What does this invite you to do today? ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What does abiding look like for you in real life, not in theory? Where specifically are you getting distracted or pulled away from staying close to Jesus?2. Where do you sense God asking you to surrender something right now? What is the actual cost of holding on?3. Look at John 13:34. How would it change your interactions this week if you took Jesus’ command to love as seriously as any moral or theological command?4. Who is a real person in your life that would experience something different from you if you chose to love first rather than wait to be loved?5. Jesus washed the feet of someone who would betray him. What is one act of service this week that would require humility from you rather than comfort?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. When Pastor Eric described the “try-harder loop,” what parts of your own faith journey felt similar, and how might you begin shifting from trying harder to training intentionally?2. Dallas Willard said, “Faith has failed to transform the character of most people because it is usually unaccompanied by a way of life like Christ himself practiced.” What specific rhythms or habits could help align your daily life more with Jesus’ example?3. Read Romans 12:2. What would it look like for your mind to be truly renewed in the areas that most shape your thoughts or emotions this week?4. Pastor Eric said that formation happens over time and through hard seasons. How can you view your current challenges as part of the Spirit’s slow work of transformation?5. Look at James 1:2-4. How does this passage reshape your view of difficulty when compared with the idea that “the desert is the classroom where our faith grows”?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What distractions or habits have been quietly pulling you out of range from truly seeing and hearing Jesus?2. Look at Luke 5:1–11. Which of Peter’s small yeses (Borrow, Beyond, Because, Belong) do you relate to most right now, and why?3. When was the last time you sensed Jesus asking to “borrow your boat” (to step into your ordinary life)? How did you respond?4. What practical step could you take this week to choose proximity over perfection in your walk with Jesus?5. Read Psalm 46:10. What would it actually look like for you to “be still” in a world that rewards hurry and noise?6. When have you mistaken doing things for Jesus with actually being with Him, and how can you realign your focus toward proximity instead of productivity?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What does it actually mean to follow Jesus instead of just being a fan?2. How does Jesus’ humility and compassion redefine what greatness looks like in your life?3. Look at Matthew 5. How does Jesus’ teaching on the Beatitudes challenge the way our culture defines success?4. In what ways might your daily habits and conversations be shaping you more than you realize?5. Read John 20:27. How do you personally respond to Thomas’ moment of doubt and belief?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What are some of the main things shaping your life right now, and how can you tell?2. How would your daily habits change if you truly believed every part of your life is spiritual?3. Look at Romans 12:2. What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind instead of being conformed to the world?4. Which part of God’s five act story (creation, fall, redemption, church, or new creation) feels most real to you today, and why?5. How can you be more intentional this week about letting God form you into the likeness of Jesus?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What does it practically look like in your life to move from being a fan of Jesus to being a true follower?2. Think about the difference Doug described between adding a little bit of Jesus to your life versus putting your whole life into Jesus. Which side do you lean toward right now and why?3. Look at Luke 9:23. What might it mean for you personally to take up your cross daily and follow Him?4. How can we help the next generation understand that following Jesus is more than a label or a habit?5. In what areas of your life have you compartmentalized faith instead of letting Jesus shape everything you do?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Have you noticed times when your posture in conversations looked more like culture than Christ? What did that reveal about your heart?2. Think about someone you usually avoid or disagree with. What would it look like to set a table with them instead of trying to win an argument?3. Look at Matthew 5:43-48. How do Jesus’ words about loving enemies challenge the way you normally respond to people who oppose you?4. When you feel “bumped” in life and something spills out, what usually comes out of your mug? What does that say about what is filling you?5. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. How do these verses expose the danger of doing the right things without love? ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  /// If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. What does Psalm 1 teach us about the difference between following the ways of the world and meditating on God’s Word?2. How might a social media fast impact your heart, focus, and prayer life?3. When was the last time generosity felt like a true step of faith for you?4. Look at Matthew 6:21. What does your use of resources reveal about where your heart is?5. How can you practice hearing God’s voice this week in small but intentional ways? ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give

We're so glad you've chosen to listen to our online experience! Here at Plum Creek, we’re all about changed lives, changing lives; and what that simply means is that what Christ has done in us is not just for us, but it’s for us to share with others in our community and around the world.  ///  If you're using this teaching for a Home Groups setting, we've included discussion prompts to help guide your conversation:1. Where do you typically turn for help when life feels overwhelming, and how does that compare with Psalm 121:1-2?2. How does the idea of living “right side up” challenge the way you approach money, time, and success?3. What does it mean to wear love as the “uniform” of a disciple, and how would people know that about you?4. Look at Luke 6:27-28. How do Jesus’ words about loving enemies stretch your understanding of what love requires?5. What step of “irrational generosity” could you take this week that would feel inconvenient but reflect the Kingdom of God?  ///  Wondering what Plum Creek Church is all about? Watch this video.  ///  LinksHome: https://www.plumcreek.church/Next Steps: https://www.plumcreek.church/nextMinistries: https://www.plumcreek.church/ministriesGive: https://www.plumcreek.church/give