MESSAGE TITLE
sermon guide
“Where do we go from here?” is a question that people everywhere are asking in these unprecedented times. Gene shared three phrases he feels God is calling the church to focus on and put into action.
Have someone read John 17:20-21 and Ephesians 4:31-32.
Grace-Saturated Unity
There are many things folks can unite around, but the basis of our unity is a common belief in Jesus Christ as our lord and savior. Remaining united in Christ while respecting each other’s right to have differing perspectives and opinions on the issues of the day requires that we step up to be sure we saturate our unity with grace.
When we stand united around the grace and truth of Jesus, we can’t be stopped from showing the love and grace of our Savior to a broken and a hurting world. We love that the cross of Jesus cancelled your and my sin and shame with divine grace; as followers of Jesus, should not grace and forgiveness be “the air we breathe”?
Do you have a tendency to write people off when your opinions differ widely?
How can we stand against the cancel culture and instead stand in unity to extend the grace and love of Jesus? What does that look like to you personally?
Share where you have seen God radically change someone’s life.
Mission-Driven Strategy
Have someone read Matthew 28:19-20.
This was Jesus’ final assignment to his disciples before he ascended into Heaven. Our mission at Eastside is to reach out to a world that needs hope. And, knowing that Jesus is behind this and with us, our purpose is to make disciples who pursue God, to build community, and to unleash compassion in our communities and around the world. The mandate has been the same since Jesus spoke those words; however, the methods change with the times.
Who shared the gospel with you?
Brainstorm ideas for reaching out to people around you and inviting them to join you in knowing Jesus?
How does it feel knowing that Jesus is using you to continue building his church?
Jesus-Centered Ministry
Have someone read Matthew 16:18 and Ephesians 3:14-20.
Jesus said, “I will build my church.” When we keep in mind that it’s all about Jesus, it centers our focus onto the power behind our faith. We need to move forward, living our lives with Jesus at the center.
Some of the things Gene reminded us of are that when we turn to Jesus:
The love of Jesus overcomes hatred, prejudice, and racism.
The power of Jesus breaks the chains of addiction.
The grace of Jesus helps us forgive and heal broken relationships.
The peace of Jesus that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind.
Where do you need to make Jesus the center and trust he will take care of you?
Application
Are there any relationships you need to restore grace to in order to stand together in unity as followers of Jesus?
Name someone you know who needs to hear the gospel. Pray that you would be a light in their life. Pray for the courage to share how God has worked in your life.
WRAP UP & PRAYER
Have each person share their prayer requests. Ask someone to type them up and share the list with the group. This week spend time daily praying for your group.
Pray for the person who needs the gospel and for an opportunity to invite them to join you in knowing Jesus.
Dear Lord, may we always be people who really grasp how high, wide, deep and long is your love for us. May we be people who love to worship to you. May we give and serve you because we genuinely love and are forever grateful to you, Jesus.
May we be people, who stand firm, stand strong, who refuse to go with the flow, who refuse to quit or throw in the towel when life gets tough because we are motivated by nothing less than an unbridled passion and love for you!