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MESSAGE: Freedom! Date: 7/5/2026
COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Kevin Geer
CHECK-IN & SHARE WINS: What was one highlight from your week? Where have you seen Jesus at work—in your life or in the world around you? Celebrating wins helps propel God’s mission forward and inspire others to join in.
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THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions are great for personal reflection, group discussion, or both. They’re meant to help you grow in your faith, deepen your connection with your Jesus friends, and live it out in the world around you.
Describe your favorite fourth of July experience. What made it special?
Make a list of the kind of freedom Jesus offers that our country—or any government—can never provide? Discuss what is on your list.
Read John 8:32, 34, 36. Even in a free country, people can still live in spiritual bondage. What are some of the “chains” that keep people captive today? Which of those do you think is most common—or most difficult to break free from—in our culture, and why?
Read Luke 4:18. Jesus said He came to bring good news, freedom, healing, and hope. Which part of His mission stands out to you the most, and why? As His followers, how can we join Him in that mission?
Read Galatians 5:1. Paul urges believers to “stand firm” and “stay free” in Christ. Why do you think it’s so easy to drift back into old habits, old sins, or old ways of thinking? What helps you stay grounded in the freedom and new identity you have in Christ?
Galatians 5:13 says to use our freedom to serve others in love. How does serving others protect us from becoming self-centered and spiritually stagnant? Share an example of this from your own life.
In Luke 15:20-24. The father celebrated when the “prodigal son” came home. Why do you think joy and celebration are such important parts of being a Jesus follower? Have you ever caught yourself—or other Christians—acting like the older brother in the story?
Would you say your worship reflects the joy of someone who has been set free? Why or why not? What would make your worship more celebratory?
The message challenged us not to be a “dud” for Jesus. What do you think a “firework” faith looks like compared to a “dud” faith?
Discuss how God has answered one of your “Desperate Prayers”. What changes have you made as a result of that prayer?
PRAYER OPTIONS: Practice praying out loud to grow your faith—even if it feels uncomfortable. Try it with people you trust and feel safe with.
Share one thing you are thankful for (a praise) and one thing you need prayer for (a request). Then pray together for each other’s requests.
Prayer Partnership: What’s on your heart that we can partner with you and bring it to the Lord?
Read and put into practice James 5:13-16. Pray for the sick, praise Him for everything, confess your sins, pray for physical, spiritual and emotional healing.
Praise Sentences: Short prayers thanking God, then pray for shared needs.
Prayer Clusters: Groups of 2–3, share requests, pray together, and encourage each other during the week.
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CHECK OUT THE CANVAS BIBLE READING PLAN
Read through the New Testament until the end of the year – 5 days a week, Find it on the Canvas Church app (“Bible Reading Plan”). Listening option available.
Read it. Think about it. Live it out.
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CANVAS + Looking for some great content to help you grow in your faith?
Check out Canvas Plus, a totally FREE content streaming platform found exclusively on the Canvas App.
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WHAT SERVE TEAM ARE YOU ON?
One of the best ways to get connected, meet new people, and grow in your faith is to serve others. There are many ministry areas to choose from—or help create a new serving opportunity. To explore the possibilities go to canvas.church/serve If you’re already serving on a team and looking for a new challenge, connect with your ministry team lead to explore your next step.