Newsletter – 09/10/26

Mark Your Calendar

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

📢 Announcements

🥾 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/

📖 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 Give Your Life Away

📖 Biblical Insight Questions

Jesus’ Journey to the Cross (Mark 10:32–34)
- Why does Jesus continue toward Jerusalem even though He knows what awaits Him?
- What details does Jesus give about His coming suffering and death?
- What does this passage teach us about the intentionality of Jesus’ sacrifice?
- How does Jesus’ willingness to suffer deepen your understanding of His love for us?
James and John Desire Greatness (Mark 10:35–41)
- What do James and John ask Jesus for, and what it reveal about how they view discipleship?
- How can someone genuinely follow Jesus while still struggling with self-interest?
- What does the other disciple’s anger reveal about their own understanding of greatness?
- Where do you see a temptation to use faith or service to gain recognition or advantage?
True Greatness and Servanthood (Mark 10:42–45)
- How does Jesus contrast the world’s understanding of greatness with the kingdom of God?
- What does this mean, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant”?
- How does Jesus Himself become the ultimate example of the servant He calls us to be?
- What does the crowd’s response to Bartimaeus reveal about how we view those who seem insignificant?

🔨 Practical Application Questions

Moving from Sitting to Serving
- The sermon said, “Christianity is not an opportunity to sit and soak, it is a call to come and serve.” What do you think that means practically?
- What are ways Christians become selfish consumers of God rather than servants for God?
- What is an area where you could move from simply receiving to actively serving others?
Seeing the People Others Overlook
- Who are some people in your everyday life who are easy to overlook?
- What would it look like to intentionally treat those people as people made in God’s image rather than simply as people providing a service?
- How might your position, influence, resources, or abilities be used for someone’s good?
Power, Position, and Influence
- Where do you have influence or authority over other people?
- How might you be tempted to use that position for your own benefit?
Giving Your Life Away
- What does Jesus’ sacrifice as a ransom change about how we should view our own lives?
- What does “giving your life away” look like beyond simply volunteering at church?
- What is one specific way you can serve this week without expecting anything in return?

🪞 Personal Reflection Questions

Your Desire for Greatness
- If you are honest, where do you most desire recognition, status, influence, or importance?
- Are there areas where you might be “honoring Jesus while honoring yourself”?
- What would it look like to surrender that desire for recognition to Jesus?
- Why is servanthood so contrary to the values of our culture?
What Is Your Life For?
- Are you trying to get something out of life, or are you learning to give your life away?
- What is one concrete step you can take this week toward becoming more like Jesus—the servant who gave His life for others?