Follow Along
At Compassion Church, studying God’s word is an important part of the discipleship process. That’s why we are providing guides to follow along with the sermon series’ throughout the year.
Graves to Gardens
Practicing Resurrection
New life is a beautiful promise, but let’s be honest: the "cemetery habits" of our old lives are hard to break. We are often more fluent in the language of worry, politics, and financial gain than we are in the rhythms of the Kingdom. We’ve lived in the graveyard for so long that we’ve forgotten what it feels like to walk in a garden.
As Eugene Peterson reminds us, we require a "patient, long-suffering reorientation" to live into the full stature of Christ. This series is an invitation to that reorientation.
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Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38
The Instruction: Jesus’ evangelism always began with "seeing" people. He didn't see crowds as statistics or projects; He saw them with compassion. Today, practice Intentional Observation. As you go about your day, look at the people you pass—the barista, the coworker, the neighbor—and remember they are "harassed and helpless" without the Good Shepherd.
The Practice: Before leaving your house, pray: "Lord, give me Your eyes to see one person today the way You see them."
Journal Prompts:
Who did you notice today that you usually overlook?
Describe the "compassion" you felt. Was it easy or difficult to feel that for a stranger?
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Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-16
The Instruction: You don't need a theology degree to share your faith; you just need to be a witness to what you’ve seen and heard.
The Practice: Write out a "Two-Minute Testimony." Focus on three parts: My life before fully following Christ, how I encountered His grace, and how my life (and heart) is different today.
Journal Prompts:
What is the "hope that is in you" right now?
How can you share your story with "gentleness and respect" rather than "argument and pressure"?
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Scripture: John 1:14; Colossians 4:5-6
The Instruction: Evangelism often happens best across a dinner table or over a cup of coffee. This is Incarnational Evangelism—being "Jesus with skin on" in your community. It’s about building bridges of friendship before crossing them with the Gospel.
The Practice: Identify your “one” (someone who is not a believer but is open to your friendship). Make a plan to do something non-religious with them this week—grab lunch, go for a walk, or help them with a task.
Journal Prompts:
What are some common interests you share with your "one"?
How can you "season your conversation with salt" (grace and wisdom) without sounding forced?
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Scripture: Galatians 5:13-14; Matthew 5:16
The Instruction: In the Nazarene tradition, we believe that "Compassionate Ministries" and evangelism go hand-in-hand. When we serve someone's physical or emotional needs, we earn the right to speak to their spiritual needs.
The Practice: Perform one "Secret Service" today. Do something helpful for a non-believing neighbor or colleague without seeking credit. Let your "good deeds" shine so they might eventually glorify your Father.
Journal Prompts:
How does serving others soften your own heart toward them?
What is a physical or emotional need you see in your community that the church could help meet?
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Scripture: James 1:19; Proverbs 20:5
The Instruction: We often think evangelism is about talking, but it often starts with listening. When we listen deeply to someone’s story, we discover where they are hurting and where God is already at work in their lives.
The Practice: In your next conversation, practice the 70/30 Rule: Listen 70% of the time and speak 30%. Ask "open-ended" questions like, "What’s been the hardest part of your week?" or "What brings you the most joy?"
Journal Prompts:
What did you learn about someone today by simply staying quiet and listening?
Where did you hear a "spiritual hunger" or a "gap" in their story that Jesus could fill?
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Scripture: Acts 1:8; Ephesians 6:19-20
The Instruction: We cannot do this in our own strength. The "Baptism with the Holy Spirit" provides the power to be witnesses. Today is about Spirit-Led Boldness—the courage to actually invite someone to take a next step.
The Practice: Ask the Holy Spirit for a "nudge." If you feel prompted to offer to pray for someone, to invite them to church, or to share a verse, do it. Trust that the results are in God’s hands, not yours.
Journal Prompts:
When did you feel a "nudge" today? Did you follow it? Why or why not?
How does it change your anxiety to know that the Holy Spirit is the one who ultimately "convinces and converts," not you?
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Scripture: Amos 5:21-24
The Instruction: In the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, worship and justice are inseparable. God tells Amos that He is unimpressed by "solemn assemblies" if they aren't accompanied by a "mighty stream" of justice. Today, practice Holy Audit. Look at your own life and routines through the lens of those less fortunate.
The Practice: Spend time researching where your daily goods come from (clothing, coffee, electronics,...etc). Acknowledge the human hands involved in your comfort and pray for their dignity and provision.
Journal Prompts:
How does the image of justice as a "mighty stream" change your view of it from a "political issue" to a "spiritual flow"?
In what ways has your worship lately been disconnected from the needs of your community?
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Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40
The Instruction: Jesus makes a startling claim: how we treat the "least of these" is exactly how we treat Him. To practice justice, we must move beyond "charity" (giving from a distance) to Solidarity (standing alongside).
The Practice: Go for an “eye-openning trip" in a part of your city you usually avoid or drive through quickly. Don't go to fix anything; go to observe. Notice the quality of the grocery stores, the parks, and the housing. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His.
Journal Prompts:
Where did you see the "face of Jesus" during your walk/drive today?
What systemic barriers (lack of transport, food deserts, etc.) did you notice that might prevent someone in that neighborhood from flourishing?
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Scripture: Luke 4:16-19; Leviticus 25:10
The Instruction: Jesus began His ministry by quoting the Year of Jubilee—a time when debts were canceled and captives were freed. As Nazarenes, we are called to be people of the Jubilee, looking for ways to restore what has been stolen from others.
The Practice: Practice Radical Generosity. Find a local organization (like prisoner reentry, debt relief, or foster care support) and give to their cause. Instead of just giving money, look for a way to advocate for their cause on social media or in conversation today.
Journal Prompts:
Jubilee is about "setting things right." What is one situation in your immediate circle that feels "wrong" or "unbalanced"?
How does the Gospel provide a "Jubilee" for your own soul?
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Scripture: Acts 4:32-35; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
The Instruction: The early church practiced a form of "economy" where those with plenty shared with those with little. In the Nazarene tradition, this is lived out through our World Evangelism Fund and local compassionate ministries. Today, practice Living Simply so Others Can Simply Live.
The Practice: Identify one "luxury" or non-essential expense you have this week (a specialty coffee, a streaming subscription, or a new clothing item). Forego that purchase and set that exact dollar amount aside to be given directly to someone you know is struggling or to a local food pantry.
Journal Prompts:
When you chose not to buy something today, what internal "want" or "fear" did you feel?
How does the concept of "enough" challenge the cultural message of "more"?
Reflect on Acts 4:34 ("There were no needy persons among them"). What would it take for your local congregation to make that a reality today?
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Scripture: Luke 14:12-14
The Instruction: Biblical justice is often found in who we invite to our tables. Jesus challenged the social hierarchies of His day by eating with "tax collectors and sinners." Today, practice Radical Hospitality.
The Practice: Evaluate your "inner circle." Does it look like the Kingdom of God (diverse in age, race, and economic status) or does it only look like you? Make an intentional effort today to engage in a meaningful conversation with someone from a different social or economic background than yours.
Journal Prompts:
Who is currently "invisible" at your table?
What would it cost you socially to broaden your circle of friends to include those the world ignores?
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Scripture: Micah 6:8; Revelation 21:1-4
The Instruction: We end where we began: the call to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly." We do this work not because we think we can save the world, but because we know the One who already has. We practice justice as a Signpost of the New Jerusalem.
The Practice: Practice Visionary Prayer. Sit in silence and imagine your city completely healed—no more tears, no more hunger, no more systemic oppression. Ask God: "How can I live today as a citizen of that future Kingdom?"
Journal Prompts:
How has this week shifted your understanding of "Holiness" to include "Justice"?
What is one long-term commitment you can make to continue seeking justice in your community?
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Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3; Isaiah 58:13-14
The Instruction: God didn't rest because He was tired; He rested to enjoy what He had made. Sabbath is a "sanctuary in time." Today, practice Intentional Delight. Find one thing that brings you pure, non-productive joy—a walk, a piece of music, a good meal—and give God thanks for it.
The Practice: Spend 15 minutes doing something solely because it is beautiful or enjoyable. No "to-do" lists allowed.
Journal Prompts:
Why is it so difficult for us to believe that God "delights" in us apart from what we do for Him?
What are three things that truly make your soul feel "at rest"?
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Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11
The Instruction: The Hebrew word Shabbat literally means "to stop." Sabbath is a boundary. It is a day where we stop working, stop wanting, and stop worrying. Today, practice Digital Fasting.
The Practice: Choose a block of time (2–4 hours) to turn off your phone and computer. Notice the anxiety that rises when you aren't "reachable," and hand that anxiety to God.
Journal Prompts:
What work or worry is most difficult for you to "put down" right now?
If you stopped working for 24 hours, what do you fear would happen? What does that reveal about who you think is in control?
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Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:12-15
The Instruction: In the Exodus version of the Ten Commandments, Sabbath is about creation; in the Deuteronomy version, it is about liberation. Sabbath reminds us that we are no longer slaves in Egypt—we aren't defined by our output. Today, practice The Resistance of Enough.
The Practice: Intentionally choose not to shop or browse online today. Resist the "empire" of consumerism by declaring that what you have is sufficient.
Journal Prompts:
How does your current schedule make you feel like a "slave" to your tasks?
How can resting your body be an act of worship to the God who set you free?
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Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8, 11-12
The Instruction: Jesus taught that the "Sabbath was made for man." He often used the Sabbath to heal and show mercy. In our Nazarene connection, we rest so that we have the energy to love. Today, practice Quiet Kindness.
The Practice: In your state of rest, find a simple way to bring "healing" or comfort to someone else—a phone call to someone lonely or a prayer for a sick friend.
Journal Prompts:
How does resting actually make you more "available" to love your neighbor?
Reflect on Jesus' words: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." How does this change your view of "rules" around rest?
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Scripture: Exodus 16:22-30
The Instruction: In the Bible, the "Preparation Day" was essential for a meaningful Sabbath. You cannot enter deep rest if you are surrounded by chaos. Today, practice The Gift of Readiness.
The Practice: Perform a "Sabbath Prep" task. This might mean cleaning the kitchen, finishing a difficult email, or grocery shopping today so that your upcoming Sabbath can be truly clear of chores.
Journal Prompts:
What "clutter" (mental or physical) prevents you from feeling peaceful?
How does preparing for rest show honor to the Lord of the Sabbath?
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Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-11; Revelation 21:3-4
The Instruction: Sabbath is a "mini-heaven." It is a taste of the eternal rest we will one day have in God’s presence, where there is no more toil. Today, practice Visionary Resting.
The Practice: Light a candle or sit in a favorite chair. Spend 10 minutes imagining a world where every tear is wiped away and all work is complete. Let that future hope fuel your current peace.
Journal Prompts:
What part of "Eternal Rest" are you looking forward to most?
How can you carry the "peace of the Sabbath" into the busy week ahead?
