May 5, 2024
Included | Romans 15:1-13
Unlikely Friends
Paul never recovered from God's invitation to the Gentiles.
Like some of us, perhaps, he felt that some people should be excluded because of where they were born or how badly they had behaved.
More than included, Paul instructs that former ‘outsiders’ should be treated as precious insiders - even better than we would treat ourselves. What would it look like if love came to town?
Songs for this week: Spotify
- Do you have a friend you never thought would be your friend? Tell that story.
- How could a strong Christian ‘bear with the failings’ of a weak Christian? Give an example.
- The Scriptures often teach us about endurance and provide us with encouragement. What passages have recently inspired you in your faith journey?
- Hope features loudly in this passage. How do you explain your hope to someone who doesn’t yet believe?
- As you look at our world, who would be the least likely to become friends with each other? Take time to pray for that impossible friendship.
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Recent Sermons
Exodus 1:6-14 - This Sunday, we begin Roots, a new teaching series from the book of Exodus—discovering how the story of rescue in Exodus shapes our understanding of Jesus.
Exodus 36:1-7 - God calls Israel to give their wealth to build the Tabernacle, raising a timeless question: will we live open-handed, trusting God with what we hold?
Luke 12:13-21 - Jesus warns us about the hidden danger of greed. Discover three heart attitudes toward money—I deserve it, it’s all for me, and I’m better off with more—and why they matter.
Acts 20:32-38 - For three weeks, we explore what Jesus says about money. This week, Paul’s final message highlights contentment, hard work, and caring for the weak.
Luke 2:22-40 - This week we reflect on the quiet faithfulness of Joseph and Mary as they bring Jesus to the temple. In this moment of ordinary obedience, God meets them with extraordinary hope through Simeon and Anna.
Matthew 1:18-25 - God puts His people on the go. Explore God’s call to Joseph and how an ordinary life is drawn into a greater mission and purpose.
