April 7, 2024
Included | Romans 11:25-36
Israel And Us
All along, we’ve been saying that God’s heart is to see us INCLUDED. That’s why Jesus came, and that’s the subject of Paul’s letter to the Romans. At times, Christians forget God’s radical inclusion of them and go back to the old patterns of competing and comparing. Sadly, that was happening in the Roman Church. Paul has one powerful dose for that sickness.
Songs for this week: Spotify
- When did you last encounter a division within a social group, workplace, school, or even at church? How did you navigate the situation?
- Through Jesus, God brought together Jews and Gentiles in a partnership that no one could have imagined. Have you ever witnessed or experienced an ‘impossible’ reconciliation? Tell that story.
- Conceit causes division. Describe the ways that conceit raises its head on both the offending and offended side of a division.
- Use words and even stories to define God’s mercy. What does God’s mercy look like in your life? Do your best to avoid churchy language when telling your story.
- Paul marvels that mercy, not meanness or might, is at the core of God’s wisdom and knowledge. End your time as a group in prayer grateful for God’s mercy to all - especially those who call on his name.
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Recent Sermons
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
Psalm 129 is a bit of a nasty Psalm! The writer has been oppressed and doesn’t hold back in expressing what that feels like. You might think being a believer means your troubles disappear, but that has never been the case. The good news is that God is neither blind nor indifferent to our struggles.
Psalm 131 - The Psalms of Ascent have it all: anguish, anger, encouragement, and wild joy. Psalm 131 is all about contentment. Where does contentment come from? What ruins it? What does it feel like? How can I be content in an age where marketing, social media and mirrors breed discontent?
Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they travelled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship.
Psalm 104 is a song of praise that marvels at the beauty and order of God’s creation. From mountains to seas, seasons to creatures great and small, it reveals a world sustained by His power and care. This psalm invites us to stand in awe, give thanks, and consider our role as stewards of His handiwork.
Psalm 121 - We humans need help! The question is, where will we turn for it? Psalm 121 invites us to look to God for true help.
