Next Steps with Tag:
John Burke

I Heart Sex :: God Loves LGBT People

God Loves LGBT People, I Heart Sex, John Burke

Gateway North, Branson & Online

4/24 – GOD LOVES LGBT PEOPLE

Throughout history, faith and culture have clashed. Society today is no different. Who do we listen to as we navigate two different voices that try to mold, shape, and transform us?

This week’s Next Steps are focused on helping us navigate the often confusing waters of same-sex relationships, but really, this applies to every area of life. How can we not condemn people, not compromise Scripture, yet offer hope to all? As you work through the questions, pause to consider what areas of your life God is longing to restore and transform with His way of hope.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Continue reading →

Why We Do What We Do :: Why We Isolate

John Burke, Spiritual Growth Path, Why We Isolate, Why We Stay Stuck

Gateway South

4/17 – WHY WE ISOLATE

Living in this fallen world, none of us escapes being wounded by the brokenness of the people around us. We’ve experienced judgement, physical or emotional abandonment, harsh words, passivity, and many other hurts, just as others have experienced some or all of those from us. As a result, our tendency often is to hide our hurts and doubts, pretend everything is ok, and avoid deep connection. But when we do, we miss out on the support, encouragement, love, accountability, and joy God wants us to experience in community.

Work through the following questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends and family around the dinner table to talk through what you’re learning!

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Continue reading →

I Heart Sex :: God Loves Married People

Affair Recovery, God Loves Married People, I <3 Sex, John Burke, Song of Solomon, The Mingling of Souls, Wounded Heart

Gateway North, Branson & Online

4/10 – God Loves Married People

Last week, we learned that God loves sex because He created it and meant it to be fulfilling. Like a fire though, it can be destructive when not experienced as He intended in a marriage relationship. For most couples, it’s challenging to maintain a thriving, intimate sexual relationship over time. Our misconceptions of sex, differing expectations and the never ceasing challenges that life brings can all get in the way.

This week’s questions are focused on married couples and overcoming the challenges faced on the way to a relationship of deepening intimacy — spiritually, emotionally and physically.

For Singles, as you reflect on the message and these Next Steps, consider the question, “Am I becoming the person I’d want to marry?” And next week will be for you with the message, God Loves Single People.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Continue reading →

I Heart Sex :: God Loves Sex

God Loves Sex, I <3 Sex, John Burke, The Mingling of Souls, Wounded Heart

Gateway North, Branson & Online

4/3 – GOD LOVES SEX

Few topics make people feel as awkward and uncomfortable as sex does. Our popular culture has turned sex into a commodity used to define people’s worth and value. Sex can be a source of great pleasure, but for many who have been wounded by the sexual revolution, it’s become a source of great pain or shame. Many have been taught that God frowns on sex, but is that really true?

Work through the following questions on your own, and get together with your running partner (or spouse if you’re married) to talk through what you’re learning. Due to the personal nature of this topic and pain or shame many have experienced, we encourage you to use discernment with whom you talk through these questions. We encourage Life Groups to get input and consider carefully how best to utilize these questions during their discussion times.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Continue reading →

[You]nique :: Week 2

Bible App, John Burke, Serve, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Growth Path, Starting Gate, VolunTour, [You]nique

3/20 – [YOU]NIQUE :: WEEK 2

In a world that’s more populated and connected than ever, many of us still struggle with the ideas of identity and purpose. Our own human nature and the lies that surround us pull us to extremes, telling us that we’re a failure or that we’re better than others. God wants us to have an accurate perception of ourselves and the part we’re meant to play so we can pour out His love into a hurting world by being the body of Christ – the church.

Work through the following questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends and family around the dinner table to talk through your answers.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Continue reading →

[You]nique :: Week 1

Bible App, John Burke, Serve, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Growth Path, [You]nique

3/13 – [YOU]NIQUE :: WEEK 1

We all want to be noticed, valued for our uniqueness, and to know that our unique gifts are making a real difference in the world. Despite all the options that are set before us, it can seem that finding our unique fit is quite difficult. This week we’re looking at how God gives every follower of Jesus unique spiritual gifts for the common good. Work through the following questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends/family around the dinner table to talk through your answers.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Continue reading →

Why We do What We Do :: Why We Isolate

John Burke, Vulnerability, Why We Do What We Do, Why We Isolate

Gateway North, Online & Branson

2/21 WHY WE ISOLATE

Living in this fallen world, none of us escapes being wounded by the brokenness of the people around us. We’ve experienced judgement, physical or emotional abandonment, harsh words, passivity, and many other hurts, just as others have experienced some or all of those from us. As a result, our tendency often is to hide our hurts and doubts, pretend everything is ok, and avoid deep connection. But when we do, we miss out on the support, encouragement, love, accountability, and joy God wants us to experience in community.

Work through the following questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or family around the dinner table and talk through your answers to live more connected.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Continue reading →

#2016ChallengeAccepted (Adventure)

2016ChallengeAccepted, adventure, Freedom, Go Teams, John Burke, Trust God

#AdventureGoals

God want us to a live life to the fullest, with fun, joy and adventure. He wants us to delight in Him first, but also to enjoy the adventure that He has for us. Unfortunately, the day-to-day responsibilities of life, and the challenges that come with them, are often off-ramps on the road to delight. And some of us fight against boredom, play it safe, and give in to cynicism, causing us to miss out on all that God has for us. This week we’re looking at goals that will help us get back on track to the adventure-filled life God has for us. Spend time with these questions, and then discuss them with your running partner, family over dinner or life group, and use them to help you create 2016 adventure goals.

Continue reading →