86ing Jesus?? Week 2- Jesus Loved Us

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SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

Exodus 34:10-16, 31:12-15, 32:35; Acts 10:27-28; Leviticus 13:45-46; John 9:1-2, 1:10-12; Matthew 8:5-13, 15:21-28; Mark 1:40-45, 7:32-37; Luke 15:1, 5:29-32

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

· What is on your “no-touch” list & why? (Ex. The doorknob in public restrooms, raw meat, etc.)

· When you think about Jesus, how often do you consider the context of the “course” He lived in as a first century Jew? Do you think this is even important/helpful?

· Do you agree that many religious people end up separating themselves from those who don’t share their faith? If so, why?

· Are you surprised to see that God told the Jews to keep their distance from those who wouldn’t share or passionately keep their faith? Do you see any wisdom in it? Any potential dark sides?

· Which do you relate most to and why- being an outsider, someone who has issues, or a person who has made their fair share of mistakes?

· Which approach do you see Christians/Churches mirroring more- the Jews keeping others at arms length- or Jesus welcoming and engaging those who have been pushed away?

· How might Jesus followers mirror both His radical, inclusive love AND His call for all us of to change the way we think and act?

NEXT WEEK: “Jesus Taught Us”

86ing Jesus?? Week 1- Jesus Became One of Us

Weren't able to hear the teaching conversation in person this weekend? Catch up with OUR PODCAST.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

Exodus 19:1-6, 10-13, 33:18-20; Philippians 2:5-7; John 1:1-4, 9-10; Colossians 1:15-19; 1 John 1:1-3; Luke 6:17-19; John 5:16-18, 14:1-7; Matthew 6:6-9

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

· Would you agree that most of the “generic” concepts of God include some versions of the ideas that God is big, powerful and unapproachable? Why/Not & give examples?

· Have you ever thought that something God did in the Bible was scary or intimidating? What/Why?

· How would you feel about relating to God through the Old Testament system that the Jews used?

· In your mind, what is the significance of God stepping into our story and becoming human?

· What do you think it was like for the people who were able to see Jesus’ face, speak His name and touch Him? Do you think we can still have similar/parallel experiences today? If so, how?

· Have you ever thought about how huge it was for Jesus to call God His father (John 5:16-18) or to ask us to do the same? Who did the devout Jews call their Father in Jesus’ day? (Hint: See John 8:38-39)

· How would your thoughts about God and the way you interact with Him change if you 86’d Jesus from your faith story?

· How will you take advantage of the accessibility and intimacy with God that Jesus provides you this week?

NEXT WEEK: “Jesus Loved Us”

Do This - Not That (Week 5): Make Up Your Mind - Don't Play The Middle

Weren't able to hear the teaching conversation in person this weekend? Catch up with OUR PODCAST.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

Revelation 1:9-20, 3:14-22; James 2:14, 18, 26; Isaiah 55:1-3a

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

· Are you indecisive? Would those who know you well agree w/your assessment? Which is harder for you- making small, everyday decisions OR big, life-changing ones?

· In the book of Revelation, Jesus pictures Himself as moving in and among His churches/people? Do you think He still does that today? If so, what should that mean to/for church communities?

· Jesus said that He knew what these people had done. Do you agree that our actions show what we really believe? What would someone conclude you believe from how you live?

· How do you feel about Jesus’ strong response to people who played the middle?

· How would best characterize your response to Jesus right now- cold, hot or lukewarm? Why?

· Have you ever been a practical atheist- believing in God/Jesus- but handling everything on your own? If so, how do you think you ended up in that place?

· Jesus offers to meet each of the needs He points out to the Laodicean church. Do you think Jesus would be willing and able to meet your deepest needs?

· What strikes you most about the picture of Jesus standing at the door and wanting to come in and eat with you? How could you take Him up on that offer?