Shepherd of the Valley Messages

Shepherd of the Valley
  • 4.5 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Weekly messages from Shepherd of the Valley Church in Afton, Minnesota

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Love of Stranger

    Icebreaker  What’s the one of the most memorable meals you’ve ever shared with someone? Who has made you feel especially welcomed or “at home”? What did they do?  Observation: Read John 21:15-19 Put yourself in Peter’s shoes, what might be going through his mind? Why do you think Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” before telling him, “Feed my sheep”? What can we learn from this?  Read 3 John 1:1-8 What stands out to you about Gaius? Why does John celebrate his hospitality so highly? Why does hospitality come up so much in the Scriptures? Read 3 John 1:9-10 What attitudes and actions characterize Diotrephes? How do those same attitudes show up in families, workplaces, or churches today? What can we do to mitigate them?  Read 3 John 1:11-15 John says, “Do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” What sorts of things might he be referring to? Who are people in your life that you could imitate?  Application The sermon suggested that hospitality is making room for someone else. Where do you have room to offer hospitality? Which temptation do you identify with more? Wanting to be recognized OR withdrawing and assuming someone else will step in. What might Jesus’ encouragement be surrounding these temptations?  Imagine someone describing you years from now. What would you hope they would say about the way you treated people? Where do you have grow to get to that place?  Prayer Pray for one another by name. Ask God to: Form in you the humble heart of Jesus. Make your home and your welcoming places. Give you eyes to notice those who feel unseen or left out. Make Shepherd of the Valley a church where people encounter the hospitality of Christ.

  2. Aug 2

    What’s Fear Got To Do With It?

    Icebreaker: What’s something you’re irrationally afraid of – or used to be? (ex. spiders, heights, public speaking…)  Observation Read 1 John 4:7–21 together. What is John trying to tell us about God’s love in this passage? What reasons does John give for why believers should love one another? What reasons do we tend to use in determining how we treat one another?  Read verse 18 again.  What do you notice about the relationship between fear and love? How do you see the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) at work in this passage? Does this give you any insight into the Trinity?  Application “Fear is a signal designed to keep us safe.” How might emotions be used as signals in our life?  How can fear serve as a helpful signal rather than simply something to avoid? When has fear served as an unhelpful signal in your life? What did you do about it? Which of these responses in relationships do you most identify with? Defensiveness (afraid to be wrong) Pretense (afraid to be vulnerable) Control (afraid to trust) What is a truth either from or about God that can counteract this response?  Jesus says in John 15, “Remain in my love.” What do you think it practically looks like to remain in Christ’s love day to day? How might believing more deeply that you are completely loved by God change the way you respond in your closest relationships? Close in prayer

  3. Jul 26

    Truth in the Age of Deception

    Opener With so much information available today (podcasts, social media, news), how do you personally decide which commentators or public figures you can trust? Have you ever believed something in the past that you later realized was completely untrue or misleading? What helped you realize the truth? Scripture  The Voice of the Good Shepherd Read John 10:1–5, 11–15 How do the sheep learn to recognize the Shepherd’s voice so well that they flee from strangers? What is the difference between how the Good Shepherd treats the flock versus how a “hired hand” treats the flock (vv. 12–13)? What are some “stranger voices” in our culture today that try to pull Christians away from the way of Jesus? The Same Spirit Read John 14:12–17 and Acts 3:12–16 How does realizing that Jesus performed His ministry in total dependence on the Holy Spirit change how you view your own daily life and ministry? Jesus promised that His followers would carry on His work through the Holy Spirit. How does the Holy Spirit give us confidence and discernment in a confused culture? Testing the Spirits Read 1 John 4:1–6 Why does John warn believers not to believe every spirit or spiritual claim? John points to the confession that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” as the key test (v. 2). Why is clarity on who Jesus is so foundational for a healthy church community? What does it look like in modern life to “test the spirits” without becoming overly cynical or suspicious of everyone? Greater is He Read 1 John 4:4 and 1 John 5:1–5 How does knowing that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” give us confidence when facing spiritual confusion or cultural pressure? How does holding shared truth about Jesus actually protect unity in a church, rather than divide it? Application Is there a specific voice, media habit, or source of influence in your life that is causing spiritual confusion, anxiety, or division? What is one practical step you can take this week to “tune your ear” more consistently to the voice of Jesus? (Examples: daily Scripture reading, taking a fast from news/social media, reciting historic creeds, or discussing biblical topics with a mature believer.) Prayer Spend time praying for one another: Ask God to grant our church spiritual discernment and wisdom in an age of confusion. Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower us to carry out Jesus’ ministry of grace and truth. Thank Jesus for being our Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. Pray Together: “Lord God, Spirit of Truth, give us ears to hear the voice of our Good Shepherd above all the noise of the world. Anchor our hearts in the reality of Jesus Christ—fully God, fully man, crucified and risen for us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we may live out Your truth and mission. Protect our community from deceptive voices and unify us around Your Gospel, so that we may walk together in confidence and peace. Amen.” Together: “We are one in Christ. We walk in the light. We love one another.”

  4. Jul 19

    Love is Sometimes Spelled “Do”

    Icebreaker Options: 1. What’s something simple that someone did for you that made a big impact? 2. Think of someone who has demonstrated Christ-like love to you. What did they do that made you feel loved? Observation Read: John 13:1–17, 34–35 and 1 John 2:7–11 (optionally add 1 John 3:16–18). 1. Why do you think John keeps returning to the theme of love throughout his letter instead of mentioning it once and moving on? 2. According to John, how are love and obedience connected? 3. Imagine you were in the room that night. Which part of Jesus’ actions would have been most difficult to understand or accept? Why? 4. Why does Jesus refer to the command to love as both old and new? Application 1. What’s the difference between loving someone and having loving feelings toward them? 2. The sermon suggested that “Sometimes love is spelled D.O.” Where is God inviting you to act  instead of feel? 3. Which of these two unhealthy tendencies do you relate to more? What are some steps we can take to resist this temptation? Becoming a brick wall after being hurt. Becoming a doormat by never setting healthy boundaries. 4. Jesus’ love became tangible through simple acts of service. What ordinary opportunity do you have this week to make Christ’s love visible? Prayer Prompt Spend time thanking Jesus for the ways He has loved you—not merely in words, but through His life, His service, His sacrifice, and His cross. Then pray for one another by name, asking God to help each person recognize one concrete opportunity this week to make His love visible through action.

  5. Jul 12

    Fellowship with God and One Another

    Opener 1.  have you experienced a strong sense of belonging—to a family, team, church, or community? What made it feel that way? 2. Our culture offers countless ways to “connect,” yet many people still feel lonely. Why do you think genuine community is so difficult to find today? Sermon Questions Jesus’ Prayer for Unity Read John 17:20–23 1. What stands out to you about Jesus’ prayer? 2. Jesus prays that His followers “may be one.” What do you think that kind of unity looks like? 3. How is Christian unity different from simply agreeing on everything? Invited into Fellowship Read 1 John 1:1–4 1. Why do you think John began by emphasizing that he heard, saw, and touched Jesus? 2. John says he writes so that “you also may have fellowship with us.” What do you think “fellowship” (koinonia) means to him? 3. How does knowing that community is something we receive from God change the way we think about the Church? Walking in the Light Read 1 John 1:5–7 1. What do you think of when you read “walk in the light”? 2. How do honesty and transparency strengthen relationships? 3. The sermon suggested, “The enemy of community isn’t imperfection—it’s pretending.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Confession and Grace Read 1 John 1:8–2:2 1. Why is confession such an important part of Christian community? 2. What does it mean that Jesus is our Advocate? 3. How does God’s grace make it safer to be honest about our struggles? Application This week, John invites us to “walk in the light.” 1. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been tempted to hide, pretend, or carry something alone? 2. What is one practical step you can take this week to walk more fully in the light? (Examples: confess a sin, ask someone for prayer, apologize, forgive someone, or simply be more honest about a struggle.) Take a moment for each person who is comfortable to share one step they hope to take this week. Prayer: Spend time praying for one another. Pray that God would: 1. Help us abide more deeply in Christ. 2. Give us courage to walk in the light. 3. Make Shepherd of the Valley a community where people don’t have to pretend but can experience the grace and forgiveness of Jesus. 4. Strengthen our unity so that our life together points others to Christ. Pray together: Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us into fellowship with You and with one another. Teach us to walk in the light, to confess our sins freely, and to extend Your grace to others. Make us one as You and the Father are one, so that our community becomes a witness to Your love. Amen. Together: We are one in Christ. We walk in the light. We love one another.

  6. Jul 5

    Rule of Life: Sabbath & Slowing

    Icebreakers 1. Be honest, do you speed? 2. What is an activity that is particularly restorative or restful for you? Scripture Questions Read Genesis 2:2-3. 1. Why do you think Scripture includes God resting on the seventh day? 2. What is the significance of God making the seventh day holy? Read Mark 2:23-28, specifically verse 28. 3. What does Jesus mean by Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath? 4. Is it necessary for us to practice Sabbath today, why or why not? Application Questions 1. Where in your life do you have a tendency to push the limits? How might you take a step back from that? 2. Do you practice Sabbath, why or why not? 3. Is “enjoying God” a familiar or unfamiliar concept in your faith? How might you enjoy God?

  7. Jun 28

    The Holy Spirit Grows Good Things

    Opener 1. What’s something you’ve tried to grow—plants, a project, a hobby—that didn’t go quite the way you hoped? 2. Looking back, what’s one challenge in your life that God used to grow something good in you? Discussion Questions 1. In Genesis 2, what do the two trees represent? How do we see those two choices show up in the Biblical story or in our own lives? 2. Paul contrasts two ways of living in Galatians 5:13-26. What are they, and in what ways are these two ways of living at odds with one another? 3. Why do you think Paul calls these qualities the “fruit of the Spirit”? 4. Which fruit of the Spirit stands out to you most in this passage? Why? Application 1. The Holy Spirit grows fruit in us, but not without our participation. What do you think our role is in that partnership? 2. Where do you find yourself choosing to “do life on your own terms” instead of trusting God’s way? 3. What current frustration, conflict, or challenge might actually be an opportunity God is using to grow spiritual fruit in you? Closing Identify one person you’ll intentionally love, encourage, forgive, or serve this week as a way of letting someone else “taste” the fruit God is growing in you. Prayer Prompt Spend a few minutes asking the Holy Spirit to: Reveal one area where you’ve been resisting His work, give you courage to embrace the challenge He’s using to grow you, and produce fruit that blesses someone else this week.

  8. Jun 21

    For The Family

    Opener When you were growing up, what is one spiritual habit or practice you remember from your home (positive or negative)? If someone walked into your home for a week, what would they say you “talk about most”?   Discussion  1. God Our Creator We often live as if we are “self-made.” Where do you feel that pressure most in your life right now? Psalm 139 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Why is it difficult for adults to actually live like that is true? 2. God Knows Everything The sermon said we often manage perceptions of ourselves. Where do you feel the temptation to “curate” your life instead of being honest? How does it change things to believe you are fully known by God and still fully loved? Describe a time when you felt known and loved. 3. God is Our Safe Place When life feels unstable, what do you instinctively run to for safety or control? Psalm 46 calls God our refuge. What does it look like in real life to treat God as your “safe place”? 4. God is Love John 3:16-17 not that God is motivated by love. Romans 5:8 says God loved us while we were still sinners. Why is it so hard to receive love we didn’t earn? Where do you personally still slip into “earning mode” with God—or with others? 5. God is Forever Revelation 21 paints a picture of a future with no more pain or death. What do you notice about that promise of a future reality and how it compares with your current reality? What are you currently building or investing in that will last beyond your lifetime?   Living it out Deuteronomy 6 says faith is passed on in conversation and daily life. What is one small, practical way you could bring Jesus into your home rhythms this week (meals, car rides, bedtime, etc.)?   Close in Prayer Pray for: parents and grandparents to have courage and consistency in spiritual conversations a renewed sense of “Wow, God” wonder in everyday life children and students to build lasting faith in Jesus

  9. Jun 14

    How Do I Hear The Holy Spirit? Part 2

    Opener 1. Have you ever missed something that was right in front of you, only to have someone point it out? What happened? 2. When do you feel most aware, attentive, or present in your everyday life? What helps you slow down enough to notice what is going on around you? Discussion 1. Read 1 Kings 19:11-12. Elijah expected to encounter God in dramatic displays of power, but God came in a gentle whisper. Why do you think we are often drawn to the spectacular while God frequently works through the subtle? 2. One of the themes from this week’s message was that hearing God is often less about learning a special skill and more about growing in awareness of a relationship that already exists. 3. Read John 17:3 and John 14:26. How does it change your understanding of “hearing God” when you think of it primarily as growing in relationship rather than receiving special messages? 4. Jane shared that Jesus restored more than forgiveness; He restored our ability to live in ongoing communion with God through the Holy Spirit. Looking at the “Journey of Restoration” diagram, which part of the journey stands out to you most right now: Creation, The Fall, The Cross, The Holy Spirit Given, or The Invitation? Why? 5. The sermon also explored how our minds, emotions, bodies, and life experiences affect our ability to recognize God’s presence. Looking at the “Nervous State” diagram, what stood out to you? Have you ever noticed that stress, fear, exhaustion, or anxiety affected your ability to experience peace, pray, or discern God’s leading? 6. Discernment thrives in safety. The goal is not achieving certainty but growing in trust, awareness, and connection with God. Jane talked about practices such as reflection, imagination, journaling, movement, and slowing down. Which of these feels most natural to you? Which one stretches you outside your comfort zone? Application This week, set aside 5-10 minutes each day to slow down and become aware of God’s presence. What specific practice will you try (silence, Scripture reflection, journaling, imaginative prayer, gratitude, walking, or another practice), and when will you do it? Close in Prayer Spend time thanking God that through Jesus He has already come near and given us His Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help each person become more aware of His presence, recognize His gentle guidance, and grow in confidence that they are never walking alone.

  10. Jun 7

    How Do I Hear The Holy Spirit? Part 1

    Opener 1. Have you ever received directions from someone and then realized later you misunderstood what they meant? What happened? 2. Think of a time when you had an important decision to make. What were some of the things you considered before moving forward? Discussion 1. Read Acts 15:1-29, paying particular attention to verse 28. What stands out to you about the way the early church made decisions? What did they seem to rely on as they discerned God’s direction together? 2. The sermon introduced five “beacons” the Holy Spirit often uses to guide us: Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, and wisdom/circumstances. Which of these five beacons do you tend to trust most naturally? Which one do you tend to overlook or neglect? 3. Rather than relying on a single feeling, dream, or coincidence, the early church looked for multiple indicators pointing in the same direction. Why do you think God often guides us through a process of discernment rather than simply giving us immediate certainty? What does that require from us? 4. One of the sermon’s key ideas was that hearing God is not just about receiving guidance but becoming the kind of person who listens. Read Colossians 3:15-17. How do gratitude, surrender, and obedience affect our ability to recognize and respond to God’s leading? 5. Looking back on your life, can you think of a time when several of the “beacons” aligned and helped bring clarity to a situation? What did you learn from that experience? Application 1. Which of the five beacons—Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, or wisdom/circumstances—would you like to pay closer attention to this week? What is one practical step you can take? Close in Prayer Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to make you more attentive to His voice. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and a surrendered heart that is willing to follow wherever Jesus leads. Ask God to use His Word, prayer, community, and everyday circumstances to help each person grow in recognizing His guidance.

  • 10 Episodes

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Weekly messages from Shepherd of the Valley Church in Afton, Minnesota

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