Wk 2 // August 10 & 11
Wk 2 // GREAT STORIES
August 10 & 11, 2024
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Some of the most influential Christian leaders over the centuries have said that the key to living the life God intends for us is learning to do these two things well and regularly. Understanding that repentance is not simply an expression of remorse, but a commitment to life change that stems from a genuine heart change… well, that changes things. Understanding that forgiveness is not simply a feeling that what occurred is now perfectly ok, but instead is a commitment to choosing daily to release our grip on the evil done to us… well, that changes things. God is in the business of changing things!
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Luke 15:11-24
Some of us run from God in rebellion. Some of us drift away from God as life distracts and selfishness slowly creeps in. Some of us exercise heightened devotion and commitment and stay intimately intertwined with God. The latter is of course the way to the abundant life God desires for us… but no one ever said it was easy! We are blessed to have a Heavenly Father who always has a plan to guide us back from the distance we create.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Luke 15:25-32
How tragic to miss the beautiful grace of God! When we see the rebellion of others and how that impacts us and the ones closest to us, it is so easy to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness. Unfortunately, our own sense of justice can at times be the biggest obstacle in experiencing God’s perfect justice which is inseparable from his grace. May we see to be soft-hearted, quick to repent, and speedy to forgive and seek restoration!
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would walk with you this week toward greater intimacy with him and forgiveness & reconciliation with others.
August 10 & 11, 2024
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- What is repentance and why is it such a big deal?
- What is forgiveness and why is it such a big deal?
Some of the most influential Christian leaders over the centuries have said that the key to living the life God intends for us is learning to do these two things well and regularly. Understanding that repentance is not simply an expression of remorse, but a commitment to life change that stems from a genuine heart change… well, that changes things. Understanding that forgiveness is not simply a feeling that what occurred is now perfectly ok, but instead is a commitment to choosing daily to release our grip on the evil done to us… well, that changes things. God is in the business of changing things!
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Luke 15:11-24
- What is the furthest from God you have felt and what brought you back?
- What is the most powerful testimony of coming back to God you’ve ever heard or experienced?
Some of us run from God in rebellion. Some of us drift away from God as life distracts and selfishness slowly creeps in. Some of us exercise heightened devotion and commitment and stay intimately intertwined with God. The latter is of course the way to the abundant life God desires for us… but no one ever said it was easy! We are blessed to have a Heavenly Father who always has a plan to guide us back from the distance we create.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Luke 15:25-32
- Who has a better relationship with the father in this story; the younger brother who has returned, or the older brother who never left? Why?
- Why is the older brother justified in feeling how he feels? Why is he also out of line?
How tragic to miss the beautiful grace of God! When we see the rebellion of others and how that impacts us and the ones closest to us, it is so easy to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness. Unfortunately, our own sense of justice can at times be the biggest obstacle in experiencing God’s perfect justice which is inseparable from his grace. May we see to be soft-hearted, quick to repent, and speedy to forgive and seek restoration!
APPLICATION
- Where have you somewhat drifted away from God and you need to walk back toward greater intimacy with God?
- Who do you have a damaged relationship with who you are going to work on forgiving?
PRAYER
Pray that God would walk with you this week toward greater intimacy with him and forgiveness & reconciliation with others.
