Step One

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
- Matthew 4:23-25

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“You are the salt of the earth.”
- Matthew 5:13

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"You shall not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
- Matthew 5:27-28

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“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Matthew 5:43-44

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
- Matthew 6:3

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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.”
- Matthew 6:25

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
- Matthew 5:3-6

Ice Breaker

What is the weirdest food combination you have ever tried?

Discussion Questions

1.     What are 3 words that best describe your week?

2.     What habit did you start or end last week?

3.     Share an act of kindness from your week.

Sermon Questions

1.   In this week’s message, Pastor Jared taught on the Beatitudes (Read Matt. 5:1-12).  Jesus continues to give instructions on how to live through the remainder of Matt. 5.  For many of us, it can seem an exhaustive and impossible list.  Before we can be the miracle, we have to admit we’re spiritually bankrupt and empty our old selves (remember wineskin from the message).  What practical ways in your life can you take this first step?
2.   It is sometimes difficult to take this first step and “empty our old self” because we consider ourselves as fairly decent and doing good.  We even self-assess at times reflecting on our kindness towards others and the good deeds we carry out.  Share ways in which you take self-inventory as well as things you do to be a ‘good person’.
3.   Once we admit we are broken and need Jesus, He can start working miracles in us and through us.  In Matt. 5:43-44, Jesus tells us, “You have heard it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  For many of us, this is one of the hardest commands to live out.  Discuss with your family, or group, why this is such a struggle (even picture that person in your mind).  What is one small step you can take to forgive and show love towards that person?

Something to Share

Read Ephesians 4:31-32

Isn’t it interesting that young children generally don’t hold grudges? They may cry and throw tantrums, but once their anger has been vented, they let it go. Adults, however, have a tendency to hang on to offenses. When people wrong us or our loved ones, we want them to pay for what they’ve done, to suffer as we have. It only seems fair to expect restitution of some kind, and unless that occurs, we withhold forgiveness.

As Christians, however, we are called to a different standard and way of thinking—one that’s consistent with God’s character. He is a merciful Father who wants His children to show mercy to others (Luke 6:36). His Son’s life on earth demonstrated this. As Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). God expects us to forgive as Jesus did, regardless of circumstances.

This command seems impossible to carry out until we start to grasp the enormity of what took place on the cross. Christ’s death made us recipients of a mercy so great it defies comprehension. The Savior took all our sin upon Himself and died in our place. He experienced the outpouring of God’s wrath so we might be forgiven and reconciled to the Father. Although we deserve condemnation, through Jesus Christ we have instead received God’s mercy.

Now as new creations in Christ who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we have His power to truly let go of the wrongs done to us and extend mercy to others, just as God has given mercy to us.

(InTouch: Choosing to Forgive Devo)

Announcements

CRB Golf Tournament | Friday, May 1

Serve Together

Prepare sack lunches for Haven House.

Prayer

Popcorn pray as a group.

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