This past Sunday night, we began our Life in 6 Words study. We were introduced to where we will be going over the next 6 weeks as we dive in, head first, into the beauty of the Gospel message. Our goal for this past Sunday night was simply to remind you of what is "of first importance" in life.
That Jesus died for our sins.
That Jesus was buried in the grave.
That Jesus rose from the dead 3 days later.
This is it. According to Paul, this is the most important piece of information that we will ever read, share, think about, accept or reject. But lets be honest, much like how a knife becomes dull and loses its impact after being used over and over again, for those of us who have been learning this message our entire lives, it can become dull and lose its power in our lives...
So if this is the case, either Paul has it wrong and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 is off and not that important, which if that is the case, we have bigger issues to deal with...or...how we percived and understand what is "of first importance" is a bit off and we need to be changed.
Beyond our sin, I think there is another reason why, if we were honest, this message wouldn't make our list of "first importance." We live a segregated life. Its like seperating coins...school goes here, church over here, friends here, activities there, and Jesus somewhere. However, what if all these aspects of life were to come under the truth that Jesus died, Jesus was buried, and Jesus rose again? How would your life and view of Jesus and your relationship with Jesus change?
Sunday night, we were introduced to the idea of the Bible being a grand, epic story of God creating and redeeming His people for His glory. With this picture in mind, instead of seperating ourselves from the story of the Bible, we find ourselves in it. There is suspense, love, heroism, action, drama, twisted plots, and sacrifice.
This is the Gospel...a grand, epic story that we find ourselves in the middle of. And it affects everything.
Use these thoughts, questions, and passages of scripture to go deeper with this past Sunday night's topic!
1. Read Romans 1:18-3:26. Do you see the storyline? Can you trace it?
- Chapter 1- God's wrath on sinners
- Chapter 2- God is perfectly right in His judgement of us...no one is left out...all are sinners
- Chapter 3- Even though we don't deserve it...God is faithful and sent Jesus to rescue us from ourselves
- Seeing the Gospel as a story help you see its implications for all of your life?
2. Read 1 Cor. 15:3-4. On Sunday night we encouraged you to flesh out the fears and struggles you have with the message of the Gospel and with sharing it with others. What are those things that are holding you back? Have you cast those burdens to God?
3. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Is this story...the Gospel...is it personal to you or just a bunch of facts that you know? What is the difference?
4. As we begin our journey into the Gospel over the next 6 weeks, who is that one person God is laying on your heart to either invite to come out on Sunday nights or who He wants you to bring Him up to this week? Take some time and pray for that person now!
Plan to join us Thursday night and Matt & Amanda's at 7pm as we dig deeper into this week's topic!
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