Group Discussion & Life Challenge
Use these notes as discussion prompts for your group, or in your personal time with God.
Connect:
Get to know each other. Connect, warm up to each other, fellowship.
Care:
Carry each other’s burdens. Share life’s challenges and practice Soul Care. Pray together.
Challenge:
1. After reading through 2 Corinthians 5:11-19 what are some reflections you have? What does this scripture tell you about God, and what does it tell you about you?
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:16, Paul says that from now on we regard no one from a “worldly point of view.” What would you identify as something that gets in the way of that for you (history, hurt, political views, status, appearance, lifestyle choices, unforgiveness)?
3. In Psalm 139 we see a reflection on God as creator which is helpful to consider as we think about our view of others including those who frustrate or oppose us— all of us were intricately knitted together by God with purpose, how might this shift our perspective?
4. Have you adopted a practice for helping you view others in a Christ-like way? Something personal or helpful that you could share with the group? Have you witnessed something that inspired you or your family to change the way you view others, that maybe helped you be more empathetic or gracious?
5. 2 Cor. 5:14-15 “Christ’s love compels us to no longer live for ourselves.” Is there a person or a group you tend to overlook or avoid due to busyness, self-preservation, or comfort? Maybe today you are just admitting you need help or prayer for patience, whatever it is, what is one practical step you can take this week to build a relational bridge with them?
In light of 2 Cor 5:18-19 take a moment to pray for us as a church to pick up this mission to bring reconciliation.
Clarify:
Does anyone need clarity on something? Are there any big God questions you are wrestling with?
Celebrate:
Celebrate life’s successes and God’s provision. Worship God’s presence. Time to brag about God.
BibleApp
Through the Bible in one Year
Join us in reading through the entire Bible in one year. Each day of this plan guides you through passages from both the Old and New Testaments, allowing you to see connections between the history of our faith, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Readings average four chapters in length, so it is posible to do. When you use the YouVersion Bible App, you can even have the app read the Bible text to you – very useful when you are in the car or otherwise occupied with your hand.
All you need to do is click the link to the Bible Plan, which should lead you straight to the Bible app. Your two options are now (1) to read the plan on your own, one day at the time. Or (2) you can make it more fun and rewarding, by sharing the plan with one or more friends, and then even “Talk about it”.