The State of the Church Address
October 25, 2026
God is at work among us, and we see only a small part of what He is doing. As we gather for Aspire’s Annual Members’ Meeting, we’ll celebrate His faithfulness and return to the mission Jesus gave His Church: to make disciples of all nations. Through Matthew 28:16–20 and stories from our church family, we’ll consider how each of us can participate in that mission — in San Marco, throughout Jacksonville, and around the world.
Passage
Mattew 28:16-20
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
- What advertising slogan, popular saying, or piece of advice has stayed with you for years?
- Where do you think most people get their ideas about success, happiness, identity, and the good life?
HEAR
Read Romans 12:1-2
Recognize What is Shaping You
- What contrast does Paul draw between being conformed and being transformed?
- What messages about success, freedom, love, identity, or happiness continually pressure us to conform?
- Why does genuine transformation require renewing our minds?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Identify the Ideas Opposed to God
- According to this passage, how does spiritual warfare differ from ordinary human conflict?
- What might Paul mean by arguments or ideas that oppose the knowledge of God?
- How can an idea become a spiritual stronghold in a person’s life?
Read Romans 12:2 & 2 Corinthians 10:5
Replace Lies with Truth
- How can we evaluate an idea by comparing it with the character, life, and teachings of Jesus?
- Why is recognizing a lie not enough to defeat it?
- What practices can help us replace a lie with truth and organize our lives around that truth?
HUDDLE
Identify one message you repeatedly hear from culture, family history, social media, advertising, or your own internal dialogue. How has that message shaped the way you think or live? What truth from Scripture should replace that message? What is one practice that could help you organize your life around that truth this week? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize the ideas shaping your life and allow God’s truth to renew your mind.
- Day 1: Romans 12:1-2
- Day 2: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
- Day 3: Psalm 1
- Day 4: Proverbs 4:20-27
- Day 5: Philippians 4:4-9
- Day 6: Colossians 3:1-17
- Day 7: John 17:13-19
Passage to Memorize: Romans 12:1-2
Think Deeper
- What message am I repeatedly hearing that is shaping how I think and live?
- Where does that message agree or conflict with Scripture?
- What practice will help me live according to God’s truth this week?
Suggested Resources
Live No Lies, by John Mark Comer
The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis
Renovation of the Heart, by Dallas Willard
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.