Lions and Lambs

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethpage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
- Mark 11:1-3
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Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne.
- Revelation 5:5-6

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On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
- Mark 11:15

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After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
- Genesis 3:24

Mixer

What has been your favorite thing about coming to Groups this season?

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Neighborly - Daily Devotional

To get the Daily Devotionals delivered to you every morning, text ‘dailydevotional’ to 97000.

1. In the 3/27/23 entry, Help My Unbelief!, DJ asks us to consider the cost of following Jesus. Have you really understood that there is a cost? List out some costs that have come to your mind (i.e. might lose some friends) - which one/ones are you really stumbling with and why? Which ones are you justifying or ignoring? Then with prayer, ask God to help you see that the cost is worth the work to begin living out of your design!
2. In the 3/28/23 entry, Valued, Part 2, Pastor Ken again reminds us that we have high value to God. Have you felt lost to God? Why? What does each of these parables tell you about your value to Him? The shepherd does what? The woman does what? And what is the unique thing the father does - and what doesn’t he do? What conclusions can you draw that would convince you that your Father desires for you to return?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Mark 11:1-3, 15; Revelation 5:5-6; Genesis 3:24

1. Read Mark 11:1-3. Jesus could have chosen to display his power but instead, humbly rode in on the way least expected, a donkey. How has Jesus surprised you in his unorthodox approaches to transform your life or situation? What has it taught you about his character?
2. Pastor Jared shared that the Garden of Eden was the first temple with Adam & Eve as the priests, dwelling in God’s presence but, sin and shame drew them out. How have you been drawn out of the metaphorical “temple”? In what ways have you fallen out of fellowship with the Lord?
3. In the world, lions and lambs cannot co-exist together but, in Jesus they do. Which stereotype of Jesus most closely bonds you to him – the Lion or the Lamb? Why? Which stereotype of Jesus do you avoid thinking about? Why? Discuss how both stereotypes co-exist in Him.
4. Read Galatians 5:22-23. Have you been confined to a certain personality type that has prevented you from obtaining some fruit of the Spirit? Are you an introvert or extrovert? How has that informed your faith? What is that droopy part of your personality that you can surrender to the Lord?
5. Jesus’ death at Calvary atoned for our sins, passing by the sword and allowing us to enter into the Most Holy Place again. How does the ability to atone for sin open us up to being both a Lion and a Lamb for God? Explain.

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Serve

April and May are Women’s Wellness Months!!
During the Table Groups break, get together for a service project focused on supporting and encouraging women across the county, especially those affected by trafficking, poverty, and other challenges unique to females.

• Thursday, April 13th: Assembly Project
• Sunday, April 23rd: Tag Drive Kickoff
• Sunday, May 7th: Assembly Project
• Friday, May 19th: Community Volunteer Event
• Saturday, May 27th: Good Neighbor Day
  
  Click here for more info on events and the partner organizations we are working with.

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Pray

Go First Church Family - join us in preparatory prayer this week over our Good Friday service, our Easter Sunday services, the staff, tech team and volunteers and their efforts to show our guests the Risen Christ, and for all the difference that Resurrection can make in the lives of everyone who walks through our doors! And YOU can be a part of the Go First Team too by inviting someone to Easter with us, or by making a new friend once you get here. We get to do this - together!

"The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."

Romans 6:8-11