October 18, 2026 Dr. Allen Holmes
Following Jesus transforms our hearts, not just our behavior. Lasting freedom comes as we honestly face our struggles, experience God's love, pursue healing, and allow Him to shape who we become.
READ: 1 JOHN 1:8–9“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
DISCUSS: What struggles or patterns in our lives are we most tempted to deny, minimize, or hide, and how could honestly acknowledging them before God change the way we pursue freedom?
REVIEW: Be Loved!
READ: JAMES 5:16“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
DISCUSS: How does the fear of being fully known affect our vulnerability with others, and how can genuine love, prayer, and acceptance lead to healing?
READ: GENESIS 4:7“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
DISCUSS: What situations, influences, or habits make us vulnerable to unhealthy choices, and how can recognizing them help us set wise boundaries before temptation takes control?
READ: ROMANS 2:4“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
DISCUSS: How might experiencing God's kindness rather than focusing on guilt or shame help us confront the deeper pain or unmet needs behind our struggles and begin experiencing healing?
READ: JOHN 4:23“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.”
DISCUSS: How is your relationship with God shaping what you desire and pursue, and what do you think needs to change for you to experience greater freedom?
READ: ROMANS 7:19“I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”
DISCUSS: When you recognize patterns in your life where your actions don’t reflect the person you want to become, how can continuing to walk with God through those struggles help you pursue lasting freedom?
What is keeping you from experiencing lasting change, and how might God be calling you to take your next step toward freedom?
Heavenly Father, give us the courage to be honest about our struggles and receive Your love without fear or shame. Help us make wise choices, recognize our vulnerabilities, and allow You to heal the deeper wounds of our hearts. Continue shaping our desires, strengthening our faith, and leading us toward lasting freedom as we become more like Jesus, in Jesus' name, Amen.
The invitation this week is to pursue lasting freedom by allowing God to heal and transform our hearts; here are some ways you can respond:
Lasting freedom comes as we receive God's love, pursue healing, and allow Him to transform our hearts and lives.
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