Church at the Shores
June 1st - The Narrow Path - Resisting the Rival God
The Narrow Path series invites us to step into the radical teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where we discover that the path to true life is often narrow and challenging but leads to an expansive, spacious life in God’s Kingdom.
Locations & Times
Church at the Shores
541 Cotton Creek Dr, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Saturday 1:30 PM
WELCOME HOME
Welcome to Church at the Shores! Whether you’re looking to connect, watch a message, give, or share a message with a friend, visit www.churchattheshores.com. Everything you need is just a click away.
Service Times: 9am & 10:45am
Welcome to Church at the Shores! Whether you’re looking to connect, watch a message, give, or share a message with a friend, visit www.churchattheshores.com. Everything you need is just a click away.
Service Times: 9am & 10:45am
Money is not emotionally neutral or spiritually neutral.
What You Treasure, You Become
Two Principles from Jesus
1.) If your security is in money, your peace will always be at risk.
2.) When you direct your treasures, you are directing your heart.
1.) If your security is in money, your peace will always be at risk.
2.) When you direct your treasures, you are directing your heart.
Jesus is inviting us into a generosity mindset.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness."
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness."
Money can act like a rival god.
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
The teaching of Jesus on money invites us into...
1.) A freedom that opens your hands
2.) A purpose that anchors your identity
3.) A joy that money can’t touch
1.) A freedom that opens your hands
2.) A purpose that anchors your identity
3.) A joy that money can’t touch
SMALL GROUP LEADERS' GUIDE
Use these questions to take this message on Sunday into your week with family or friends.
READ TOGETHER: Matthew 6:18-24
START HERE: ICE BREAKER QUESTION
What’s something small you treasured as a kid that felt priceless to you?
If someone gave you $500 and said you had to spend it today, what would you do with it?
Use these questions to take this message on Sunday into your week with family or friends.
READ TOGETHER: Matthew 6:18-24
START HERE: ICE BREAKER QUESTION
What’s something small you treasured as a kid that felt priceless to you?
If someone gave you $500 and said you had to spend it today, what would you do with it?
GOING DEEPER: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus talks about money so often in his teaching?
What are some signs that money may be competing with God in someone’s life?
In what ways have you seen your heart follow what you invest your time, money, or attention in?
How would you describe your current mindset when it comes to money?
In what subtle ways can money begin to take God’s place in our lives?
What’s one step you can take this week to move your trust away from money and deeper into God?
Why do you think Jesus talks about money so often in his teaching?
What are some signs that money may be competing with God in someone’s life?
In what ways have you seen your heart follow what you invest your time, money, or attention in?
How would you describe your current mindset when it comes to money?
In what subtle ways can money begin to take God’s place in our lives?
What’s one step you can take this week to move your trust away from money and deeper into God?
E.S.P.N. for the Group Leader to Remember:
Encouragement
Leadership is 51% encouragement. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or a thoughtful affirmation. Look for opportunities to call out the good in each person and remind them of God’s work in their life. Encouragement builds trust and fosters connection in your group.
Scripture
Make space to read Scripture out loud together. God’s Word is living and active, and hearing it read aloud can open hearts and minds to His truth in a powerful way. Even a short passage can spark meaningful conversation and reflection.
Prayer
Create intentional moments for your group to pray together. Whether it’s a simple prayer for the week or interceding for specific needs, prayer connects us to Jesus—and Jesus transforms lives.
Next Step
Always point your group toward one clear, actionable next step before you end. It could be as simple as spending five minutes in stillness this week, reading a specific Scripture, or reaching out to someone in love. A clear next step helps people take what they’ve learned and put it into practice.
Encouragement
Leadership is 51% encouragement. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or a thoughtful affirmation. Look for opportunities to call out the good in each person and remind them of God’s work in their life. Encouragement builds trust and fosters connection in your group.
Scripture
Make space to read Scripture out loud together. God’s Word is living and active, and hearing it read aloud can open hearts and minds to His truth in a powerful way. Even a short passage can spark meaningful conversation and reflection.
Prayer
Create intentional moments for your group to pray together. Whether it’s a simple prayer for the week or interceding for specific needs, prayer connects us to Jesus—and Jesus transforms lives.
Next Step
Always point your group toward one clear, actionable next step before you end. It could be as simple as spending five minutes in stillness this week, reading a specific Scripture, or reaching out to someone in love. A clear next step helps people take what they’ve learned and put it into practice.
Join our Generosity Team
Your generosity creates opportunities for people to experience a life-changing relationship with Jesus, plant churches in underserved areas, resource global missions, and make a difference in our local community. Thank you for unleashing generosity!
https://www.churchattheshores.com/give/