Trusted WITH HOPE

THINK/DISCUSS:

Q: Have you ever had to trust someone else to represent you or speak on your behalf? What was the situation? What was that experience like?

Q: When was the last time you drew a conclusion about a group of people or an organization based on someone who was associate with them (either formally or informally)?

Q: Who/what do you represent on a daily basis? (Ex. Your family, profession, employer, etc.)

Q: Why do you think God uses humans (ex. OT- prophets, priests, Israel; NT- Jesus, apostles, us) to speak for Him when He's gone to all the trouble to give us the Bible?

Q: How do you feel about the idea that Jesus trusts you with His message of hope and to act "in His name"?

Q: Some churches an followers of Jesus have done a poor job of representing Him and have left many in our culture with negative ideas about Jesus and His people. Do you see this more as an obstacle or an opportunity?

Q: Which do you think is more important when it comes to representing Jesus to your world- words (talking about Jesus) or actions (living and loving like Jesus)? Are both important? Is there a right order for these?

TRY THIS:
Start each day this week with a prayer like this-

"Jesus, help me to remember that I have the privilege and responsibility of representing You today. May my actions and words reflect Your heart for this world and give each person I come into contact with an accurate picture of who You are and the life You offer to each of us."