Sunday, August 27, 2023
Today, you’re invited to pause and consider how God is inviting you to apply the weekend message in the week to come.
To begin, take a few moments to sit quietly before God, giving him your worries and concerns and letting his peace wash over you.
Next, take some time to read the following verses and explore the questions that follow. You can do this on your own or with others.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
What do you learn about God in these verses?
What do you learn about our role in sharing the gospel with our neighbors?
Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hardcopy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.
Prayer: Day 14 - For Guests, Online & In Person (Hebrews 13:1-2)
Heavenly Father, we ask you to open our hearts and minds to welcome those who come to us, whether in person or online. We believe that you have brought them here by your divine plan. We praise you for the amazing opportunity to share with them your love for us and for them. Open their hearts to hear your voice today. Give us insight as we explore new ways to spread your love, and help us to do everything for your honor. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
1 John 4:10-11
10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
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Discussion Questions:
Icebreaker: Share a time when you saw something going on around you and wondered, “Where is the love?”
Jesus associated with many disreputable sinners (Mark 2:15-16). Why is it challenging for people to spend time with those who aren’t like them?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-22. What do you learn about sharing the Good News of Christ in these verses?
What does it mean to be an ambassador? Read 2 Corinthians 5:20. What would it look like to live this verse out in your life?
Who is a neighbor you can get to know better by finding out their name, need, or next step? What is one small, specific way you can do this in the next week?