Resistance_SZN2
Ezekiel 37:1-14
You were created for story.
Your imagination is a gift.
Acts 2:17-18 And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants in those days, both men and women and they will prophesy.
I Cor 14-5 ‘I wish all of you spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.
We must renew our minds to properly hear what the Spirit is saying through Scripture.
As we read through Scripture, we must apply a sanctified imagination to hear what God is instructing us to do.
God’s story is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

_____________________________________________________________________
Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group)
This week we looked at the way God uses story, imagination, and prophetic pictures to reveal Himself. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?
Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 - What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit highlighting to you?
Is it easy for you to use your imagination when reading God’s Word?
How can the way we think about God shape the way we read and understand Scripture?
Are there places in your life where you have a hard time imagining that God could bring restoration, renewal, or new life? Why?
Can you think of a time when God used Scripture, a picture, a story, or an experience to help you see Him differently?
As you reflect on the whole message, what now? Is there an area of your life where you sense God inviting you to trust Him, renew your thinking, or believe Him for new life?

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From this Author: Clayton Whitson

September 27, 2026 • 4 Minute Read

FC Weekly

Have you ever looked at something broken and felt tired before you even began? That is where Nehemiah’s story meets us. Jerusalem was in ruins, the walls were broken down, and the need was far bigger than one person could fix. But Sunday’s message reminded us that faith does not pretend the rubble is small. Faith brings the burden to God, then takes the next obedient step. You can relisten here. I found Nehemiah’s response both challenging and encouraging. He did not rush into action to prove himself. He prayed. He repented. He fasted. He let the burden drive him toward God before it moved him toward people. And then, when the moment came, he was bold. Not arrogant. Not demanding. Bold because he had already been honest before the Lord. Some of us are carrying places that feel like rubble: family strain, discouragement, church hurt, personal disappointment, or obedience we keep delaying. The invitation this week is simple, but not easy: pray first, pray boldly, and choose bravery in the relationships and assignments God has given you. God still strengthens hands for good work. You are loved, Clayton and the Team Formation Course The Formation Course is the ideal place to start your journey toward a healthy life of faith. This ten-week journey equips you to live as an apprentice of Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did. Along the journey, you’ll receive fresh inspiration, strength for your soul, and simple practices that help you integrate what you’ve learned into your daily rhythm. The meetings have already started, but there are a couple of seats still left. You will need to register, as seats are limited. Basics Come discover what it means to be rooted in God’s family and grow as an apprentice of Jesus alongside the Faith Church community. Join us for Basics, a welcoming two-week class on the first two Sundays of the month during the 10:45 service—everyone is welcome! You can RSVP on the Hub: FaithChurchKS.org Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at moving beyond feeling overwhelmed to living as an overcomer. Read Nehemiah 2:1-20. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you? In what specific areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed? What role does repentance play in Nehemiah's journey and how can it apply to our lives? Read Hebrews 4:12-16. What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you? What does it mean to approach God with boldness? What specific actions do you want to take in obedience to Word this week? Worship Through the Week The Bible tells us that every word spoken by God is true, right? Right. One truth isn't more or less true than another, so why is it so easy to believe that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, but it's so hard to believe you were worth dying for? You can’t believe one statement or fact and not the other. The Truth is the Truth. He died for you. He saved you. He loves you. What a God! Sunday Set: You Saved Me - UPPERROOM (”This heart of mine was so far gone, but You came crashing in with a love so strong...”) Lamb of God - UPPERROOM (”Who has believed the word of the Lord?...that He would come and bleed out for me, tearing His flesh for my unbelief...”) What a God - SEU Worship (”No treasure of this life could ever satisfy. God, You are my everything.”) Check out our Sunday Set Spotify Playlist!

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor

September 20, 2026 • 3 Minute Read

FC Weekly

You can have more and still feel strangely empty. That was the tension in Sunday’s message from Haggai (you can relisten here). God’s people had returned from exile, but the work of worship had stalled. Their own houses were being built, their own comfort was being protected, and yet life still felt thin — planting much but harvesting little, eating without satisfaction, earning wages that seemed to disappear. Haggai’s word is not just about a temple project. It is about misplaced love. When God is pushed to the margins, even good things become hollow. Comfort cannot do what communion with God was meant to do. And the call back is not transactional. God is not selling blessing in exchange for obedience. He is inviting His people to return to the life His presence makes possible. Our habits, generosity, worship, and obedience become openings where grace reshapes our hearts. So this week, think carefully about your ways. Not with shame, but with honesty. Where have your actions been leading your affections? What small act of obedience could help re-center your life around God again? He is not trying to take life from us. He is calling us back to the only place life is found. You are loved, Clayton and the Team Ways to Engage Formation Course starts this Sunday evening. Still a couple of seats available; registration is required. Starts TONIGHT - SEPTEMBER 20 - Register here. Podcast / Sermon questions Ever have a question about the sermon? You have a chance to land your question right in Pastor Matthew's inbox, which he will answer on his Podcast. Also, he will cover more information that he didn't get to include in the Sunday message! You’ll find links to ‘ask a question‘ AND to the podcast right on our homepage! Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at cultivating devotion to God. Read Haggai 1:2-11. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you and inviting you to make changes or repent? In what ways does Haggai's message challenge our modern views on consumerism and materialism? How can we cultivate a deeper hunger for God in a culture that often emphasizes individualism? Read James 4:5-10. What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you? What specific actions will you take to realign our priorities in favor of God’s interests over our own comforts?

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor

September 13, 2026 • 3 Minute Read

FC Weekly (Weekly Email)

Have you noticed how quickly anxiety can start to feel normal? That was one of the tensions in Sunday’s message from Daniel 2 (you can relisten here). The most powerful man in the world could not sleep; the best wisdom of Babylon could not help him, and the whole court was suddenly frantic. Then there was Daniel ... not untouched by the crisis, but steady inside it. Daniel did not panic, flatter, insult, or grasp for control. He responded with tact and courage. He asked for understanding. He prayed with his friends. He trusted that “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” I found that deeply encouraging. We live in anxious kingdoms (politics, paychecks, work, school, etc) that cannot last, and it is easy to echo the fear around us. But God is still forming His people to become a different kind of presence: humble, prayerful, wise, courageous, and compassionate. So this week, when anxiety rises, let it become an invitation to prayer. Anxiety is usually tied to feeling helpless. Prayer is a response of faith and power. Pray with others. Pray for others. Ask God for wisdom. Step away from the frantic need to control everything, and remember the Kingdom that cannot be shaken. You are loved, Clayton and the Team Formation Course The Formation Course is the ideal place to start your journey toward a healthy life of faith. This ten-week journey equips you to live as an apprentice of Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did. Along the journey, you’ll receive fresh inspiration, strength for your soul, and simple practices that help you integrate what you’ve learned into your daily rhythm. The meetings will start on September 20 and take place on Sunday evenings. You will need to register, as seats are limited. Giving Challenge Through tithing and generous giving, we honor God with what he has entrusted to us and learn to trust him with what we need. As we practice generosity, the Holy Spirit loosens our grip on money and forms in us a heart that reflects Jesus' generosity. As you pray about your response to the Heart for the House challenge, ask God what step of trust he is inviting you to take. You can give here. Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at the favor of God bestowed on His people. Read Daniel 2:1-24. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you and inviting you to make changes or repent? What does Daniel's approach to anxiety and uncertainty teach us about trusting God's wisdom? What is the danger of not trusting God? Describe what your life’s actions and attitudes look like when you are not anxious. In what practical ways can we become that non-anxious presence in our daily lives? Read James 1:1-8. What are some important truths in passage? How can you integrate them into your own life?

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor

Currently Reading

September 6, 2026 • 2 Minute Read

Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 10

Sermon Replay - Click Here Story of Bones // Resistance_SZN2 Ezekiel 37:1-14 You were created for story. Your imagination is a gift. Acts 2:17-18 And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants in those days, both men and women and they will prophesy. I Cor 14-5 ‘I wish all of you spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. We must renew our minds to properly hear what the Spirit is saying through Scripture. As we read through Scripture, we must apply a sanctified imagination to hear what God is instructing us to do. God’s story is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. _____________________________________________________________________ Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at the way God uses story, imagination, and prophetic pictures to reveal Himself. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 - What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit highlighting to you? Is it easy for you to use your imagination when reading God’s Word? How can the way we think about God shape the way we read and understand Scripture? Are there places in your life where you have a hard time imagining that God could bring restoration, renewal, or new life? Why? Can you think of a time when God used Scripture, a picture, a story, or an experience to help you see Him differently? As you reflect on the whole message, what now? Is there an area of your life where you sense God inviting you to trust Him, renew your thinking, or believe Him for new life?

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor

August 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read

FC Weekly

It is easy to mistake discontentment for vision. That was one of the tensions in Sunday’s message from Habakkuk 2 (you can relisten here). We live in a world full of goals, upgrades, options, and curated pictures of “more.” But not every vision for more is from God. Sometimes it is just comparison with promises that will never be fulfilled. Habakkuk gives us something better. He shows us that God is the right place to take our pain, questions, disappointment, and complaints. Lament brings our trouble toward God. It does not deny the ache, but it refuses to let the ache become the loudest truth. And then God gives vision—not first for a bigger life out there, but for a more faithful life right here. More of Him. More contentment. More rootedness. More courage to resist the restless pull of comparison and stay faithful where He has planted us. So this week, fight for contentment. Practice real friendship. Choose rootedness over endless options. Ask God not only what you want to accomplish, but also what kind of person He is forming you to become. You are loved. Clayton and the Team Basics Join us for Basics—a two-week class where we explore being rooted in God’s family, grow as an apprentice of Jesus, and discover your place at Faith Church. Meet us during the 10:45 service on the first two Sundays of the month in the Garage Door Room. RSVP today! Formation Course The Formation Course is the ideal starting place to catapult you toward a healthy life of faith. This ten-week journey equips you to live as an apprentice of Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did. Along the journey, you’ll receive fresh inspiration, strength for your soul, and simple practices that help you integrate what you’ve learned into your daily rhythm. The meetings will start on September 20 and take place on Sunday evenings. You will need to register, as seats are limited. Talk it over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your group). This week we looked at God’s vision for us to experience Him more. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Read Habakkuk 2:1-6. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What does your vision for more of God look like? What kind of person are you wanting to become? What one or two areas do you want to see changed? Why does living with godly vision matter? What are the dangers of living with discontentment in your life? Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. What are some things the Holy Spirit is highlighting for you? In the sermon, we heard that fighting for contentment is fueled by spiritual friendships and rooted in stability. Which one do you want to strengthen in your life? How can you begin strengthening that?

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor