Small Groups

Small groups are the best way for students to get connected with others and grow in their relationship with Christ. We have designated times and places for students to meet according to their age group. There have been changes made to the high and middle school boys time and place so that those in Royal Rangers can take part in Small Groups.

High School Boys

Where: Christopher Orr's House

            1650 E. Pythian St. Springfield, MO 65802

When:  3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Middle School Boys
Where: The Youth House
When: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m

High School Girls

Where: Panera (Battlefield) 

When:  Thursday  from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Middle School Girls

Where: Abigail's Apartment

            1744 W. Catalpa St. Apt C37 Springfield, MO 65807

When:  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns you may contact Abigail at (218)590-3591.

When Temptation Strikes

James 1:14-15

"14 But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

John 15:9

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."

Today I learned that if I let my own desires lure me into sinning, it will lead to death. I must surrender my troubles to Jesus and let him put them to death so that I can be more like Him. When times are tough and we are struggling with temptation, it is always good to just remember the plain and simple face that God loves us with his whole heart. To be more like Him, we need to love everyone just as He does to us. If we fall into those temptations, sin blocks our hearts from loving on other people. We must strive to not sin so we can fully love on people.

My Challenge: When temptation has become present, immediately give it to God and flee the situation. We do not need to sit and try and fight the urge, just literally get up and go into a room where there are other people. If it's at night and no one is around, start to pray and read the Bible. God will scare the devil away and make you pure in thoughts and feelings! I'm giving my temptation to God so I won't sin and am becoming completely reliant on Him. Let God show His love and mercy to you and I promise you'll by shocked by what He gives you.

 Kyler Burgess

For Some Unknown Reason, God Loves Us

Genesis 4: 9-15

9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

10 The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

After committing murder, Cain comes face to face with God as he answers for his sins. Instead of responding in sadness or guilt, Cain seems to sass God. Often, we are confronted with our sin and hide behind walls of denial. Too scared to confess. Too prideful to repent. Too human to change. God gives Cain his consequences for murder and Cain then begs God for his mercy. Cain does this out of selfishness. He does not show remorse, but only cares about his life. And somehow and for some reason I do not understand, but am eternally grateful for, God shows mercy to Cain and offers His protection. Even at our darkest and most arrogant moment, God shows His love and mercy to us. What a great God we serve! That is why He deserves our worship and our lives! This is what devotions showed me today. What did God show you?