Radical Dependency

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked
- John 5:1-9

‍

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 3:5-6

‍

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.
- Malachi 4:2

‍

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
- Matthew 17:20

‍

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
- Proverbs 29:18

‍

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
- Psalms 23:1-3

Mixer

Studies show 82% of people would come to church if they were invited. Who is one person you’ll invite to church this Easter?

‍

Neighborly - Daily Devotional

To get the Daily Devotionals delivered to you every morning, text ‘dailydevotional’ to 97000.

1. In the 3/20/23 entry, Valued, Pastor Ken states that “way too many of us determine our value or self-worth based on what we do.” Can you relate? Do you see yourself as God sees you? Is it possible there’s a lie you’ve been telling yourself regarding your value? How can you begin to reframe your thoughts to align with God’s perspective of you?
2. In the 3/22/23 entry, The Problem of the Passive Aggressive Jesus, Cristina states: “our finite minds quickly try to put Jesus in a worldly box.” Do you agree? Do you view God as the God of love and the God of justice? Is it challenging for you to view Our Loving God as one who also exercises wrath? Read Luke 12:49-53. Where is God inviting you to be different, maybe even to divide, for the sake of His gospel?

‍

Sermon Questions

Scriptures: John 5:1-8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 17:20; Psalm 23:1-3

1. From a worldview, being self-reliant and self-sufficient are admirable qualities. In what ways do you consider yourself self-reliant, self-sufficient, and independent? How does this make you feel? Does it ever drain you? Is it sustainable?
2. Pastor Josh shared one definition of self-sufficiency as "maintaining one’s own self without outside help or being capable of meeting one’s own needs." From a worldview, why is this applauded? From a Christian-view, how does this condition limit our potential?
3. Reflect on John 5:6. What spiritual condition needs to be made well in you? How has this area affected your confidence in the Lord? What steps can you take to figuratively “pick up your mat and walk”?
4. Pastor Josh stated that “where there is no vision, there is no trust.” What areas of your life do you feel spiritually blind and lacking trust?
5. Read Psalms 23:1-3. How do we ditch self-reliance to rely on the Good Shepherd?
6. Malachi 4:2 reveals that there is abundance on the other side of our reverence for God. How can you show reverence in your relationship with the Lord?

‍

Serve

Youth Wellbeing | Feed Students | Delivery Team | thru May 25th
We will be loading and delivering food packages to Poway Elementary Schools on behalf of CRB. If you drive a van or SUV that makes it easier but all are welcome. We begin loading behind the Poway Adult Ed center on Midland Road in front of the warehouse facility at 9am and then run the food out to the schools. Look forward to seeing you and helping us make a difference! Register here.

‍

Pray

Lord, we love you. Our hearts are filled with gratitude that you care for us so deeply. Father, in the areas I have yet to surrender; in the areas I struggle to trust you; & in the areas I have chosen self-reliance over reliance on you, I’m sorry. Your Word says that if “we draw near to you, you will draw near to us.” Help us to seek you first in all things. In Your Matchless Name, Amen.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you...”

Matthew 6:33