Newsletter – 09/03/26

Mark Your Calendar

Church Hike – Sep 19
Marriage Retreat – Sep 25-26

📢 Announcements

📢 September Youth Newsletter!

🥾 Church Hike at Pilot Mountain — September 19th

Everyone is invited to join us for a hike around Pilot Mountain on Saturday, September 19th. Trails will be available for a range of skill levels, so whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there’s a trail for you.

It’s a great opportunity to enjoy God’s creation together and build community outside of Sunday mornings.

For more details, speak with Jan Brezovsky. A sign-up sheet is available in the foyer — be sure to add your name!

❤️ Marriage Retreat – September 25-26

Strengthen your marriage at our upcoming retreat!

Cost: $200 per couple
Guest Speaker: Dr. Chris Gnanakan
Location: Camp Dogwood, Sherrills Ford, NC

Join us for a time of inspiration, growth, and connection. After the retreat, we’ll host a Saturday night outreach.

https://eastsidebaptistmooresville.com/marriage-retreat/

💬 Table Talk

Missed the last “Table Talk”? Don’t worry — registration for the next round is open! This is your chance to turn familiar faces into true friendships. Sign up at: https://eastsidebaptistmooresville.com/table-talk/

📖 Daily Bible Reading

Join Ricky for the final week of our journey through the book of John! If you’ve missed any videos or didn’t follow along in real-time, now’s the perfect chance to catch up. The full series is available on this YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFG0Ngm_KT50. You can take the next 30 days to walk through the Book of John with Ricky at your own pace.

You can also find the Daily Bible Reading on our website: https://eastsidebaptistmooresville.com/daily-bible-reading/.

📖 Adult Bible Study – “How People Change”

Real change can feel out of reach, but God is at work in the everyday moments of our lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). Join us this Sunday at 10am for a new Adult Bible Study series, “How People Change,” based on the teaching of Paul Tripp. Come as you are, bring your questions, and grow with us—we’ll save you a seat.

📖 New Class Starting Soon!

What stage of life are you in? Newly married, raising kids, or somewhere in between? If you want to go deeper in Scripture alongside other couples, our new Rooted Families Bible study might be exactly what you’re looking for. This new class will be starting soon! All are welcome. See the video for more information.

Discussion Questions for When Good Isn’t Good Enough

📖 Biblical Insight

1. The Limits of Being “Good” — Mark 10:17–20

What does the rich young ruler’s question about eternal life show about his heart?
What does this interaction teach about outward obedience and wholehearted love for God?

Why did Jesus address the man’s possessions rather than simply telling him to love God?
What does Jesus’ response reveal about His knowledge and desires for seekers?
Why is it significant that Jesus confronted this man while looking at him with love?

2. The Impossibility and Gift of Salvation — Mark 10:23–31

How does Mark 10 show the central issue was not wealth, but what the man loved most?
Why did the disciples respond to Jesus’ teaching by asking, “Then who can be saved?”
What does Jesus mean when He says what is impossible with man is possible with God?
How do the cost of following Jesus and the blessings of following Him fit together?
Why is it important to remember that eternal life is something we receive not earn?

🔨 Practical Application

1. Moving from Knowing to Living

What’s the difference between knowing biblical truth and allowing it to shape our lives?
Why can we regularly hear God’s Word without allowing it to change us?
What can help move God’s Word from simply flowing around us to flowing through us?

2. Identifying Alternative Loves

What are some things that become “alternative loves” when they take first place in hearts?
What would it look like to enjoy God’s gifts without loving those gifts more than the Giver?
Why is surrendering to Jesus an expression of trust and love not just giving something up?

3. Trusting Jesus Rather Than Our Effort

What are some ways we try to convince ourselves that we are “good enough” for God?
Why is it tempting to measure relationship with God by rules, activity, or comparison?
How does the gospel free us from trying to earn God’s acceptance?
How should trusting Jesus rather than ourselves change the way we live and serve?

🪞 Personal Reflection

1. What Do I Love Most?

What would be hardest for you to surrender if Jesus asked you to place it in His hands?
What would loving Jesus above that thing look like practically?
If someone asked why you believe you belong to God, how would you answer?
What does your answer reveal about where your confidence is truly placed?

2. How Will I Respond to Jesus?

Is there a truth from Scripture that you know but have been resisting applying personally?
Is there an area where you sense Jesus lovingly inviting you to surrender or trust Him fully?
Why does it feel easier to walk away sad than to obey?
What is one specific step of faith or obedience Jesus may be calling you to take this week?