May 26, 2023

May Focus of the Month

Student Ministries Serving Need

As our high school and middle school ministries grow, so does our need for leaders. We are in need of leaders who are willing to commit to faithfully serving every Sunday evening from 5-7:30pm, and events when possible. What this will look like is helping to lead a small group; and prioritizing discipleship through meaningful relationships. Please ask members of your life group to prayerfully consider serving in this ministry. Those that are interested can fill out the serve form here.

Application Questions:

A Distinct Church
We Have Highly Committed Participants
1 Peter 4:8-11

1. Read Ephesians 4:11-16. As you think about this ideal picture and the totality of this sermon, how would you like to see yourself grow as someone who contributes to a growing, healthy church body?

2. Read Colossians 3:12-14. While these verses sound so good, why is it often so difficult to practice things like “patience,” “bearing with one another,” and “forgiving one another”? How should the reminder that you are “holy and beloved” help motivate you?

3. Read 1 Peter 4:9. How can you work to avoid the grumbling that will inevitably be a temptation as you are inconvenienced as you seek to serve others?

4. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. How would you evaluate your own stewardship of the role God is calling you to play in the body? Consider what you are doing to serve others and how you are going about doing it. How would you like to grow in faithful stewardship of your gift?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. How should a desire for God to be glorified practically affect your attitude and actions in your own local church body?

May 19, 2023

Remind Your Life Group Men About Tomorrow

Be sure to remind the men in your Life Group to attend the Men’s Event tomorrow morning at 8am at the Pursuit (6151 N Discovery Pl Boise, ID 83713). We’ll be walking through how men can be devoted to the church. Some specific applications will be shared that will be encouraging and challenging for the men in your group, so be sure to remind all of them tonight!

Pray for a Potential Property

We are in the initial steps of looking at another piece of land. It is on the corner of Joplin Rd. and Star Rd.

Chris Hernandez is in talks with engineers, trying to discern whether the groundwater on this property will be an issue or not. Please pray that we will have wisdom and understanding regarding the potential of turning this piece of land into the long-term home of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley!

May Focus of the Month

Application Questions:

A Distinct Church
We Have a Genuine Reliance on Prayer
John 15:4-8

1. Read John 15:4-5. In what ways are you most tempted to rely on yourself instead of God? What are some specific reasons you actually do need to depend on God in these areas?

2. Honestly evaluate the amount of undistracted prayer time you get on a regular basis. How much do you spend in focused prayer each day? How can you either increase or protect this time?

3. Read Matthew 6:9-13. As you think through these six requests, which one do you see as most lacking in your own prayers? Why are each of these things so important to pray for on a regular basis?

4. Find some biblical promises that should be more central in your prayer life. How will your prayer life benefit from basing more of your prayers on God’s Word as opposed to your own ideas or desires?

5. How can you maximize the opportunities you get to pray with other Christians? What are your biggest distractions during these times and how can you help keep these times focused – both for yourself and the people with whom you are praying?

May 12, 2023

May Focus of the Month

What’s Next Week’s Men’s Event About?

You get to hear it here first! The next “What Is a Man” message is: A Man Loves the Church. Make sure the men in your group don’t miss it! I (Charlie) am very excited about this topic. We’re meeting Saturday, May 20th, 8am-10am at The Pursuit (6151 N Discovery Pl Boise, ID 83713). You and your men can register here.

Next Women’s Event

On average you speak 7,000 words per day, but how much thought have you spent considering God’s design for your speech? Compass Women, join us for a three-part series 6/3, 9/9, and 10/14 as we seek to learn What’s Up With Words? from the Author of words. The Bible teaches us where our words originate from, the destructive power of the tongue, and how to use our mouths for the building up of others! You won’t want to miss this important series! Sign up at here for part one Saturday, June 3rd from 9-11:30am at Meridian First Baptist Church. Breakfast & coffee is provided.

How Care Meals Work

The Care Meals team helps provide meals to families within our church. When someone in your Life Group needs to take advantage of this assistance, start by having your Life Group fill the meal train yourselves. Once your Life Group has filled in as many dates as possible, you can forward it to the Care Meals team to fill the remaining gaps. Thank you!

Join the Prayer Team

Deacons, will you consider joining the Prayer Team (a part of the Care Team)? When you are on this list, you will receive the latest info regarding those in need of prayer for physical needs in the church. The pastors work with the Care Team to funnel all needs through the prayer team; it’s the best way to stay in touch regarding those in the hospital or with urgent care needs. You can join the team by filling out this form.

Application Questions:

A Distinct Church
We Work to Promote a Biblical Gospel
Mark 1:15

1. The message mentioned several passages that encapsulate the gospel message or key parts of it (eg. Mark 1:15, 1 Cor. 15:3-4, 1 Pet. 2:24). Find two or three other passages that do this and try to memorize them this week. How do these verses grow your appreciation for the good news and how will they help with your own evangelism?

2. Think of your own evangelistic encounters. How can you keep those conversations more focused on these three most important words/ideas? What are some of the ways you might get sidetracked in those conversations?

3. Have you let some of the cultural counterfeits distort your own thinking about the gospel or what it really means to be a Christian? What are some specific Scriptures that can help you think more clearly on these issues?

4. Read Matthew 7:21-23 & 1 John 5:13. How is it possible to know the assurance described in 1 John 5 in light of warning passages like Matthew 7?

5. Read Romans 10:14-15. Who are some of the people in your life who need to hear the gospel? What are your plans to share it with them?

April 28, 2023

May Focus of the Month

Adventure Club Summer Schedule

Adventure Club Awards Night

May 9th and May 11th will be our Tuesday and Thursday Adventure Club Awards Nights. These ceremonies will recognize the kids who have put in the work of memorizing Scripture throughout the Adventure Club nights this year. Parents of kids in Adventure Club will join in this ceremony at 8pm on the evening of those dates, so please structure your Life Group discussions accordingly.

Application Questions:

The Pursuit of Happiness
Matthew 5:1-11

1. . Which of the beatitudes, when unpacked into eight points, revealed an area where you need to grow? Explain the growth that has to happen and how it will be achieved.

2. Read Psalm 42:1. Does this passage reflect how you describe your relationship with God? Explain why or why not.

3. The term used repeatedly in this passage is “blessed,” but it can also mean “happy.” Have you been “looking for happiness in all the wrong places?” Explain.

4. Read Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:19, and 1 Corinthians 6:7. What do you need to believe about God to live according to these truths?

5. Read Romans 12:2. Do you think there are areas in your life that are “conformed to this world?” Regarding these specific areas, how will you need to “renew your mind” to focus more on the kingdom of God?

April 21, 2023

Pray For the Women’s Retreat

It is here! Our Women’s Ministry heads to Quaker Hill Camp and Conference Center in McCall, ID on Thursday, April 27th. Pray for our women’s ministry leaders as they finalize preparations leading up to Thursday.

Here are a few ways you can be praying:

• Pray that God would use this time away to grow every woman’s Hope in God

• Pray that there is a genuine community developed and lived out

• Pray that every woman registered makes it up the mountain (all 170 of them!!!)

  • That nothing unforeseen would come up that would prevent any woman from going

• Pray that Pastor Ben, Holly, and Kristina would be ready to teach with clarity from the Scriptures, exalting Christ, and encouraging the women

• Pray for all of the logistics (tech, housing, schedule, facilities, etc.)

(FOTM) Keep Praying for Taking Ground!

Let us finish strong in praying for Project Taking Ground. Let us continue to seek for God to provide a permanent home for Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley so that we can grow in our disciple-making efforts here in the Treasure Valley. You can find the card by clicking on the button below.

Application Questions:

A Distinct Church
We Showcase Expository Preaching
2 Timothy 4:1-4

1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:9-10. How should the realization that you will be evaluated by the Lord affect your life this week? In particular, how should this affect your attitude towards preaching?

2. Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4. What are some of the ways you see the culture wandering off from God’s truth and showing “itching ears”? What are some of the ways you personally need to be careful of listening to your own desires/feelings instead of God’s truth?

3. On a scale of 1-10, how well would you say you do at actively listening to the sermons in your church? How could you be a more active and attentive listener?

4. Read James 1:22-25. What are the biggest obstacles between being a hearer of the Word and a doer of the Word for you? How can these obstacles be overcome?

5. Outside of a Life Group discussion, what are some other ways you can pass along what you are
   learning and applying from hearing expository preaching of God’s Word?

April 14, 2023

Share Important Ignite Info With Your Group!

If you have people in your Life Group with kids that attend our Student Ministries, be sure to let them know that the biggest event of the year for our Student Ministry is coming up June 6-10th! For those of you that lead groups or ministries without anyone in this age range, will you pray as a group for this upcoming event?

• Registration is live here.

• Be sure to let your life group know that Ignite is for upcoming 6th graders (current 5th graders) through 12th graders (graduating seniors).

• This year’s camp is at Quaker Hill in McCall.

• Be sure to read all about this year’s theme when you go to the registration page.

• Make sure you let your group know that their students can take advantage of Early Bird pricing.

• Also, please let any parents of 5th graders know about the upcoming meeting about moving up. Here are the details:

  • 5th Grade Parent Meeting - If you are the parent of a 5th grader, your student will be making the jump from Kid’s Ministry to The Grove Middle School Ministry in June! We have scheduled an informational meeting on Sunday, April 23 at 9am in the library at Heritage Middle School (Compass Classroom Location). During this time, we’ll share the vision, structure, and systems of The Grove and you’ll be able to meet our Middle School Director and leaders. There will also be time for you to ask any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there!

(FOTM) Keep Praying for Taking Ground!

Remember to continue praying for Project Taking Ground over these next two weeks (see card below). Let us continue to seek for God to provide a permanent home for Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley so that we can grow in our disciple-making efforts here in the Treasure Valley. You can find the card by clicking on the button below.

Application Questions:

A Distinct Church
The Bible Is Central
2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. Are you ready to explain why you believe the Bible is God’s Word? If someone were to ask you why we should believe that the Bible is the Word of God, what would you say?

2. Read Psalm 119:105-112. What should trembling at the God’s Word and treasuring it practically look like in your life? In what ways would you like to see these attitude increase in your life?

3. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. Why is there such a strong link between what we believe and how we live? As you think about areas in your life where you would like to see your behavior change, what change in your beliefs will need to go along with that?

4. Read Romans 12:2. How might you be tempted to be confirmed to the world and guided by your feelings, the culture, or what seems to work? How can the Word of God correct those things?

5. Read 2 Peter 1:3-4. How do verses like these and the idea of the sufficiency of Scripture increase your confidence in living the Christian life? How should this kind of godly confidence bless your Christian life?

April 7, 2023

Pray for This Weekend:

Please take a moment to pray for each of the upcoming events. We have placed a few things to pray about regarding each.

Good Friday - Tonight at 7:30pm at Heritage Middle School - This will be one service with overflow in the small gym. There will be kids care up through 2nd grade. 

• Pray for there to be room to fit everyone in the main gym

• Pray for the overflow to work perfectly

• Pray for Pastor Ben’s preparation and the preaching of God’s Word

Eggstravaganza - Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm at Heritage Middle School Fields

• Pray for good weather and logistics

• Pray for the lost souls who attend to hear and respond to the gospel

• Pray for guests to come back on Sunday to hear the gospel

Easter Sunday - Sunday services at 8am, 9:45am, and 11:30am

• Pray for the services not to be “lop-sided” (unevenly attended)

• Pray for the lost who will come to church and hear the gospel

• Pray for the band and choir

• Pray for Pastor Ben’s preparation and the preaching of God’s Word

Get Excited About the Next Sermon Series:

Starting next week, Pastor Ben will begin a series through the Eight Distinctives of Compass Bible Church! These Distinctives shape our Church and its ministry. You can find them here.

Application Questions:

Grace
The Only Hope for Humanity
Ephesians 2:1-10

1. Read Ephesians 2:1-3. Why is an understanding of man’s depravity and God’s wrath so important to appreciating God’s grace? What is lost when we skip over the reality of sin or judgment as we talk about the gospel?

2. Find another passage in the Bible that describes the love and/or grace that has been shown to us through salvation. Alongside Ephesians 2, what about these passages cause you to marvel afresh at the grace of God?

3. Read Romans 3:27. What are some of the ways you might be tempted to boast in your own spiritual condition? How should a right understanding of the gospel lead to humility and what should that humility look like in your life?

4. Read Romans 6:1. Why would a desire to keep sinning in the name of “grace” show a misunderstanding of what God’s grace really is? (Look at Romans 6:2-4 and Titus 2:11-14 for answers!) Why should a correct understanding of grace lead to a zeal for good works?

5. Read Ephesians 2:10. What are some of the good works you would like to see displayed in your own life this week?

March 31, 2023

FOTM March: Pray for Taking Ground

Resurrection Week Starts!

Here is the schedule for all that we have going on during Resurrection Week: 

• Resurrection Week Live - 4/2-4/6 - Streamed nightly at 8pm (Encourage your Life Group to tune in each night; consider sending reminder texts/messages to the group).

• Good Friday - 4/7, at 7:30pm at Heritage Middle School - This will be one service with overflow in the small gym. There will be kids care up through 2nd grade. 

• Eggstravaganza - 4/8 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Heritage Middle School Fields

• Easter Sunday - 4/9 with services at 8am, 9:45am, and 11:30am

Resurrection Week Invites

Join the evangelism team TOMORROW at 10:00am to hand out invites door to door OR go out on your own as a Life Group. We have invite cards here at the office for your Life Group, so please feel free to come by tomorrow morning and grab them for your own invite time.

Application Questions:

Evergreen Joy
In the Light of His Glory and Grace
Philippians 4:20-23

1. Find a passage of Scripture that expresses the glory and beauty of God to meditate on this week. What does this passage say about God, and how will it motivate you to live for His glory this week?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. What will it look like for you to do whatever you do for God’s glory this week? As you consider the context of this verse, what are some ways you can glorify God by being selfless and sensitive to those around you?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 6:11-12. What are some of the factors that restrict your affections toward other believers? How should the reality that they are set apart in Christ change your mindset?

4. Read Philippians 4:21-22. Aside from greeting others at church, what are some practical ways you can show affection to other believers

5. Read 2 Timothy 2:1. What are some ways that the grace of Jesus Christ should give you strength?

March 24, 2023

FOTM March: Pray for Taking Ground

Reminder: Resurrection Week Invites on 4/1

Life Group Leaders,

Resurrection Week is right around the corner! Remember to mobilize your Life Group to invite our community to the following upcoming events!

Here is the schedule for all that we have going on during Resurrection Week: 

• Resurrection Week Live - 4/2-4/6 - Streamed nightly at 8pm

• Good Friday - 4/7, at 7:30pm at Heritage Middle School - This will be one service with overflow in the small gym. There will be kids care up through 2nd grade. 

• Eggstravaganza - 4/8 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Heritage Middle School Fields

• Easter Sunday - 4/9 with services at 8am, 9:45am, and 11:30am

Will you organize an outreach for 4/1 with your Life Group to invite our community to Resurrection Week? You can join the evangelism team on Saturday, 4/1, at 10:00am to hand out invites door to door OR go out on your own as a Life Group. We are printing off invites (with all of the final information on them) to make inviting others to this incredible week of important events easier. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Join the Prayer Team

Deacons, will you consider joining the Prayer Team (a part of the Care Team)? When you are on this list, you will receive the latest info regarding those in need of prayer for physical needs in the church. The pastors work with the Care Team to funnel all needs through the prayer team; it’s the best way to stay in touch regarding those in the hospital or with urgent care needs. You can join the team by filling out this form.

Application Questions:

THE WISDOM OF GOD

1. Share a time in your life when the necessity of wisdom was evident (whether positive or negative). How did you see the Lord use wisdom to help in that situation? How did the lack of wisdom contribute negatively in that situation?

2. What does it mean that the "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge (or wisdom)? How does pursuing growth in the fear of the Lord lead to gaining wisdom?

3. Read Proverbs 1:1-7. What are the different "components" that make up wisdom in this passage? What corresponding wisdom-building habits should we pursue in order to grow in each component that of wisdom?

4. Read Proverbs 2:1-5. What role does "listening" have in pursuing and gaining wisdom? How can we practically grow in "wisdom-increasing" listening?

5. Read Proverbs 2:6-15. What are some of the practical benefits/blessings of pursuing and gaining wisdom listed in this passage? Spend some time praying as a group for the Lord to give the practical benefits/blessings associated with pursuing wisdom.

March 17, 2023

FOTM March: Pray for Taking Ground

Reminder: RW Invites on 4/1

Life Group Leaders,

Resurrection Week is right around the corner! Remember to mobilize your Life Group to invite our community to upcoming event!

Here is the schedule for all that we have going on during Resurrection Week: 

• Resurrection Week Live - 4/2-4/6 - Streamed nightly at 8pm

• Good Friday - 4/7 at TBD at Heritage Middle School - This will be one service with overflow in the small gym. There will be kids care up through 2nd grade. 

• Eggstravaganza - 4/8 at TBD at Heritage Middle School Fields

• Easter Sunday - 4/9 with services at 8am, 9:45am, and 11:30am

Will you organize an outreach for 4/1 with your Life Group to invite our community to Resurrection Week? You can join the evangelism team on Saturday, 4/1, to hand out invites door to door OR go out on your own as a Life Group. We are printing off invites (with all of the final information on them) to make inviting others to this incredible week of important events easier. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Invite Your Life Group to the Men’s Event

Our next Men’s Event is coming up shortly, on Saturday, March 25th, 5:30-7:30pm at Heritage Middle School. Remember to encourage the men in your Life Group to register and attend. You can register here. We look forward to gathering together for our second session of the What is a Man? series!

Application Questions:

Evergreen Joy
THE JOY OF GENEROSITY
Philippians 4:14-19

1. . Let’s start with the example of Jesus. Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. How have you benefited from the generosity of Christ? How does His example inspire you to give?

2. Next, consider the words of Jesus. Read Acts 20:35. How have you experienced the blessing of giving in your life? What are some of the reasons you sometimes fail to believe these words?

3. Read Matthew 6:19-21. Why is an eternal perspective important when it comes to being generous? What will help you focus more on eternal matters rather than temporal ones this week?

4. Read Philippians 4:19. How might greater faith in this promise affect your prayers and your attitudes this week?

5. Imagine a world in which Christians gave half as much as they currently do – how would that negatively impact ministry around the world? Now imagine if Christians gave twice as much as they currently do – what opportunities for ministry would this generosity create? How does this affect your motivation to give generously?

March 14, 2023

Inviting People to Resurrection Week Events!

Life Group Leaders,

Resurrection Week is right around the corner! Will you mobilize your Life Group to invite our community to upcoming events? I'm sending this to you so that the Life Groups who meet tonight (Tuesday) can share this info THIS WEEK.

Here is the schedule for all that we have going on during Resurrection Week: 

• Resurrection Week Live - 4/2-4/6 - Streamed nightly at 8pm

• Good Friday - 4/7 at TBD at Heritage Middle School - This will be one service with overflow in the small gym. There will be kids care up through 2nd grade. 

• Eggstravaganza - 4/8 at TBD at Heritage Middle School Fields

• Easter Sunday - 4/9 with services at 8am, 9:45am, and 11:30am

Will you organize an outreach for 4/1 with your Life Group to invite our community to Resurrection Week? You can join the evangelism team on Saturday, 4/1, to hand out invites door to door OR go out on your own as a Life Group. We are printing off invites (with all of the final information on them) to make inviting others to this incredible week of important events easier. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

March 10, 2023

Important Info:

• Update on Land Deal

  • The deal with the land owners on Ustick near Can-Ada has “fallen through.” Both parties signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), agreeing to the terms, and then we signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA). We were awaiting the seller’s signature when we were informed they were walking away from the deal. The investment group that owns the property had a few individuals who wanted to hold on to the land. Although this was a surprise to us, it wasn’t to God! Next week, we will have more details regarding a plan to pray for Taking Ground as a church. Thanks for your continued prayers!

• Men’s Ministry Dates to Know - Here are the upcoming dates and events for our Men’s Ministry in 2023:

  • March 25th - What is a Man? Session 2 & Mountain Biking

  • April 15th - Fishing

  • May 20th - What is a Man? Session 3 & Pickleball

  • July 8th - What is a Man? Session 4 & Whitewater Rafting Trip

  • July 22nd - Indoor Shooting

  • September 16th - Clay Shooting

  • September 30th - What is a Man? Session 5

  • October 26th-28th - Men’s Retreat

  • November 11th -Pastor’s Q&A

    Save these dates and let the men in your Life Groups know so that you can be there for them! Info and registrations are live on the Men’s Ministry page.

Application Questions:

Evergreen Joy
FROM VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE TO VICTOR
Philippians 4:10-13

1. Read Jeremiah 2:12-13. What are some of the broken cisterns that you have chased after or been tempted by in your life? In what ways is God superior to those things?

2. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10. What are some of the things you may think of as “needs” that may actually not be? What are some of the ways a love of money could bring ruin and destruction into your life?

3. Read Ephesians 3:14-21. Choose one of the many amazing descriptions of what we have in Jesus from this passage to meditate on this week. How will this help you to be content, no matter what?

4. Read 1 Timothy 6:17. As you think about the ways God has blessed you, how can you more actively enjoy these things richly this week with thanksgiving to God?

5. Read 2 Corinthians 6:11-12. How will greater contentment in Christ “widen your heart” and affect the way you treat others?

March 3, 2023

Important Info:

• Women’s Ministry Dates to Know - Here are the upcoming dates and events for our Women’s Ministry in 2023:

  April 27-29th - “Hope In God” Women’s Retreat
  June 3rd - “What’s Up With Words?” Part 1
  June 16th - Fellowship Friday, Orah Brandt Park in Nampa
  July 21st - Fellowship Friday, Julius Kleiner Park in Meridian
  September 9th - “What’s Up With Words?” Part 2
  October 14th - “What’s Up With Words?” Part 3

  Save these dates and let the women in your Life Groups know so that you can be there for them!

Application Questions:

Evergreen Joy
The Discipline of Standing Firm
Philippians 4:8-9

1. Meditate on the attributes listed in Philippians 4:8. Which of these things do you think is most lacking in your own thoughts? How will thinking about those things help you obey the imperatives of Philippians 4:1-7?

2. What unworthy things just take up too much space in your mind? How can you be more intentional to fill your mind with the best things?

3. Read Hebrews 13:7. Who have been some of the best and most helpful examples in your Christian life? How have their examples helped you live out your faith?

4. Where have you seen disconnects in your own life between what you might know or understand in a more academic sense and what you are actually living out? In what current area of your life would you most like to close that gap?

5. Read Joshua 1:6-9. If you really believe that the Lord your God is with you this week, what practical ramifications should there be in your life and actions?

February 24, 2023

February Focus of the Month:

Important Info:

• Final Friday in February: FOTM - If you haven’t yet, be sure to watch this month’s Focus of the Month video, a follow-up to Pastor Josiah’s Leadership Development talk from the Deacon Retreat. You can find it here if you haven’t watched his session yet. In this month’s video (above), we walk through three simple steps to implement the information Pastor Josiah outlined at the retreat.

Application Questions:

Evergreen Joy
God’s Plan for Dealing with Anxiety
Philippians 4:6-7

1. Read Philippians 4:6-7. What things in your life are you most tempted to be anxious about right now? What from this passage & message will help you think differently about these things?

2. Find a Psalm to meditate on and pray through when you are tempted to be anxious this week. Which Psalm did you choose and why?

3. Read Matthew 6:32-33. Jesus contrasts seeking worldly things to seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. When you are anxious, what are some ways you may be desiring the wrong things and valuing earthly things more than heavenly ones? How can you reorder these desires?

4. Read 1 Peter 5:5-7. In this passage, anxiety is seen in the middle of a discussion of pride vs. humility. How can anxiety and pride be linked? How can humility help steer us away from anxiety?

5. Spend some extra time this week as a group applying Philippians 4 & 1 Peter 5 by taking prayer requests and casting these anxieties upon the Lord!

February 17, 2023

February Focus of the Month:

Important Info:

• Focus of the Month: February - This month, we are doing a follow-up to Pastor Josiah’s Leadership Development talk from the Deacon Retreat. You can find it here if you haven’t watched his session yet. In this month’s video (above), we walk through three simple steps to implement the information Pastor Josiah outlined at the retreat.

• Taking Ground UPDATE: Our offer has been accepted for the property off Ustick Road near Can-Ada that Pastor Ben mentioned at the Deacon’s Retreat! The Purchase and Sale Agreement is in hand and being reviewed. If we accept, we'll open escrow next week and officially start our due diligence period. Here are the prayer requests as we begin the next steps:

  • Pray for wisdom and expediency in our review of the PSA (the deadline is next Friday, 2/24)

  • Pray for wisdom as we have discussions with all the city/county agencies, as this could turn into a very costly effort to build a church if we don't ask the right questions

  • Pray for favor: That the city would see we are a church and not a developer, in hopes that their development fees and expectations are low

  • Pray for wisdom as we develop a site plan that meets our needs and fulfills our mission to reach, teach and train at a 24/7 ministry facility

Application Questions:

Evergreen Joy
How Constant Rejoicing & Grace Are Possible
Philippians 4:4-5

1. Read Philippians 4:4. What are some of the excuses you might occasionally believe exempt you from obeying this repeated command? What about the character and work of our Lord Jesus should overcome those excuses?

2. Practically, what can “rejoicing in the Lord” look like when you are discouraged, sad, grieving, or enduring a trial?

3. Read Titus 3:1-8. Why is it often difficult for us to remain gentle and gracious in a world that is hostile to Jesus? Why should remembering our own salvation help us in this?

4. Read 1 Peter 3:8-9. Spend time thinking about the attitudes/actions called for here in this passage. How have you been helped by others treating you like this? How would you like to grow in displaying these things in your relationships?

5. Find a couple verses that express the reality that the Lord is near to His people. How will these verses encourage you in difficult situations this week?

February 10, 2023

February Focus of the Month:

Important Info:

• Focus of the Month: February - This month, we are doing a follow-up to Pastor Josiah’s Leadership Development talk from the Deacon Retreat. You can find it here if you haven’t watched his session yet. In this month’s video (above), we walk through three simple steps to implement the information Pastor Josiah outlined at the retreat.

Application Questions:

Evergreen Joy
God’s Guide to Dealing with Conflict
Philippians 4:1-3

1. Review Timothy’s example in Philippians 2:19-24. What stands out to you about his perspective on other people? Why is it so easy to view other people as tools to use people for your own benefit, and what will help you have a genuine concern for the welfare of others like Timothy?

2. Read Matthew 7:1-5. What does it practically look like to “take the log out of your own eye”? What are the dangers if you fail to do this well?

3. Review the six aspects of Christ-like thinking that were discussed in point 2 of the sermon. Which one stood out to you the most and why? How can you grow in living out that aspect of Christ’s example?

4. Read Ephesians 4:1-3. Consider carefully each of the attributes discussed in verse 2. Why are each of these things essential to maintaining unity? How should the expectation that patience and “bearing with” others will be needed help you prepare for conflict?

5. Read Ephesians 4:31-32. Describe how Christ forgave you. How should that impact that way you thinking about forgiving others?

February 3, 2023

Important Info:

• Miss the Deacon Retreat? Fear Not! - Below you will find the messages from each of our 3 plenary sessions at the Deacon Retreat. Whether you want to dig deeper into what you heard last weekend or want to catch up on what you missed, you can find each of them below.

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

• Reminder: Remind the Women to Register (and Go!) - February 25th will be the first of our Women’s Events this year, 9am-11am at Meridian First Baptist Church. Remind the ladies in your Life Group to register here! And don’t forget to remind them and encourage them to register for the Women’s Retreat, Hope in God, April 27-29 at Quaker Hill Camp and Conference Center, which they can register for here. Your personal invite may be the most impactful in encouraging the women in your Life Group to attend these important events!

• March 25 Men’s Event Heads Up - Our next Men’s Event in the What is a Man? series will be March 25th in the evening, 5pm-7pm, at Heritage Middle School. We will have dinner before worship, a message, and small group discussions. Mark your calendars and let the men in your Life Groups know so that they can prepare their schedules for this adjusted meeting time.

Application Questions:

Forgiven and Freed
Mark 5:24-34

1. Read Leviticus 15:25-27. What do the purity laws outlined in the Old Testament teach us about God's standard for holiness?

2. Read Mark 5:24-26. How does this woman's physical condition mirror the spiritual condition of those outside of Christ? How would you articulate the practical effects of sin using this passage?

3. Read Mark 5:27-29. This woman simply “heard the reports about Jesus” and decided to pursue after him. What is it that you have “heard” about Jesus that makes you want to pursue him? How can we model this woman's example of faith and pursuit of Jesus in our own lives?

4. Read Mark 5:30-34. There are three distinct "audiences" in this passage: a) the disciples b) the crowd and c) the woman. What lesson(s) can we learn from the way each "audience" responds to Jesus? What do Jesus' words/actions in this passage teach us about his character/nature?

5. How would you articulate the Gospel using this story as a framework?

January 27, 2023

Important Info:

• You Free Tonight? Cool, Want To Hit Up a Deacon Retreat Together? - See you tonight for our 2023 Deacon Retreat! For those interested, the Pastors will be at The Warehouse Food Hall in Downtown Boise at 5:30pm, and then we will see all of you at the Riverside Hotel, with everything officially kicking off at 7pm. Be praying for our time together to refresh us and prepare us for the year of ministry ahead!

• Will You Attend Boiler Room Once a Month? - With more space and a new consistent time, we want to ask if you’d consider attending one Boiler Room meeting a month. If we can have every Deacon attending Boiler Room at least once a month it will encourage the church, set a great example, and grow our faith! In case you didn’t know, we have moved our Boiler Room prayer meetings to the Library at Heritage Middle School, Sunday mornings, 7:40am-8:40am.

• Pastor Ben Goes to Uganda - Pastor Ben leaves next week for Uganda to spend some time with Shannon Hurley and Sufficiency of Scripture Ministry, our missions partner there. He will be gone from 2/1 through 2/9. Pray for safety and health as he encourages the Hurleys and teaches some of the men who are part of S.O.S.’s Shepherds Training Center.

• Please Pray for Our Facility Needs - Please pray for our facility needs. We have large men’s & women’s ministries now (our last men’s event had 70+ more men than any previous men’s event!), so finding a facility to accommodate us for each event is becoming increasingly difficult. Continue to pray that God would provide us with spaces for these important ministries! And while you’re at it, pray for Taking Ground! Another reason to join us for the Boiler Room each week is to pray for Taking Ground together as leaders in the church.

Application Questions:

No Treasure Like Jesus
Tracing the Right Pattern
Philippians 3:17-19

1. Read Hebrews 11:13-16. How would you like to see your life reflect the reality that you are a stranger and exile on earth? What does it practically look like to “desire a better country?”

2. Think through some of the more difficult situations you are facing and may face this week. What would it look like to deal with those situations with earthly values? What
   should it look like to deal with those situations with heavenly values?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. As you reflect on this passage, what excites you the most about your lowly body someday being transformed to be like the glorious body of Jesus?

4. Read Titus 2:11-14. Could you honestly say your life is filled with a “blessed hope” and that you are eagerly awaiting the return of Christ? If not, what needs to change in your thinking? What practical differences should this hope and expectation make in your life this week?

5. Review Philippians 3:1-4:1. What has stood out to you most in this study? How can that strengthen your resolve to “stand firm” with right doctrine & right living?

January 13, 2023

Important Info:

• Focus of the Month Video Series - We will post videos once a month (like we did last week) regarding a specific focus for that month. We will keep the video up all month long. This month, Life Group Leaders, watch the above video to get a refresher on what we want to do throughout the year as a Life Group. This video doesn’t contain an exhaustive approach to what you do, but it should help spark ideas or prompt you to recommit to old habits that may have lost steam. Two other resources may be good to reread or rewatch: The Life Group Leader Manual and The Basics of Spiritual Leadership class.

• Women’s Events Coming Up - Our first Women’s Event of 2023 will be February 25th at Meridian First Baptist church - You can register here! Secondly, our second ever Women’s Retreat will be April 27th-29th, a Thursday - Saturday, at Quaker Hill Camp and Conference Center in McCall, ID. Save those dates - registrations will be coming out shortly. Please encourage the ladies in your Life Groups to register for February and save these retreat dates, they won’t want to miss them!

• Deacon Retreat RSVP - To help us get a head count for everything at the Deacon Retreat, will you go to this registration and let us know that you are coming? Whether you are getting a room or not, this will help us plan the final details. We look forward to spending January 27th & 28th together!

Application Questions:

No Treasure Like Jesus
The Relentless Goal of the Christian Life
Philippians 3:12-16

1. Read Romans 8:29-30 & Colossians 1:28. These verses remind us that the goal of our salvation and of ministry is conformity to Christ. How should this reality affect your own views of the Christian life and ministry?

2. What are some currently difficult circumstances in your life? Instead of viewing these as a setback, how can you view these as an opportunity to “know Christ”? How can/should that change your attitude about these situations?

3. Read Philippians 3:14. What are some of the things that may distract you from this goal? What will help keep you locked in on the goal?

4. Read Philippians 3:15. Why is it so tempting to become content with our current spiritual growth? How can we guard ourselves against this temptation?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 10:12. This verse lays out one potential pitfall of spiritual complacency. What are some other potential negative effects of “spiritual cruise control”?

January 6, 2023

Important Info:

• Focus of the Month Video Series - We will post videos once a month regarding a specific focus for that month. This month, Life Group Leaders, watch the above video to get a refresher on what we want to do throughout the year as a Life Group. This video doesn’t contain an exhaustive approach to what you do, but it should help spark ideas or prompt you to recommit to old habits that may have lost steam. Two other resources may be good to reread or rewatch: The Life Group Leader Manual and The Basics of Spiritual Leadership class.

• A Reminder To Invite Men to the Upcoming Event - Our first Men’s Event of 2023 is next Saturday, January 14th, at the Pursuit as we begin the series What is a Man? Everyone can register for the event here.

• Deacons Retreat Details - Our annual deacon retreat will be at the Riverside Hotel on January 27th and 28th. Here is the big-picture schedule for the weekend:

  • Friday Night (7-9pm) *Dinner is not included, but we will send out some recommended places to grab dinner with other deacons beforehand!

  • Saturday Morning (9am-Noon) *Breakfast included for those staying at the hotel.

• Baptisms February 26th - Our first baptism service at Heritage Middle School will be on February 26th. Please announce these in your Life Groups and encourage anyone who is a believer, newly saved, or seasoned saint who has not been baptized to consider doing so. A personal invitation from you as Life Group leaders is far more effective than the bulletin and announcements ever could be. We look forward to celebrating the saving work of Jesus in the lives of believers here at Compass! The sign-up for baptism is here.

Application Questions:

No Treasure Like Jesus
Seeing How Our Savior is Better Than Everything
Philippians 3:7-11

1. Read Matthew 5:3. Why do you think it’s so hard for people to realize that they are spiritually destitute? How do you need to guard yourself from forgetting that you are bankrupt without Jesus?

2. Read Philippians 3:8. What are the things you may be tempted to value on the same level as Christ? Why are these things rightly considered “rubbish” compared to knowing Him?

3. Read Matthew 13:44. What difference should truly treasuring Christ and His kingdom have on your motivations and actions in your regular spiritual activities? How should devotions, service, and evangelism look different if you are truly treasuring Christ in your heart?

4. Read Romans 5:1-2. How do our joy and assurance increase when we know that our salvation is not dependent on our works but on the righteousness of Christ?

5. Read Romans 5:3-5. How does your attitude on suffering need to be adjusted? How can you learn to see suffering as an opportunity to experience the sufficiency of Christ in a greater way and to increase your hope in the future glory that is coming?