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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Joel 2:28-32 - Begin a seven-week journey exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit—from Genesis to Revelation. Discover how the Spirit moves through the Old Testament, revealing a presence that is mysterious, powerful, and deeply woven into the story of faith.
Mark 16:1-8 - The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings clarity to the entire Bible, redeeming every story from the Garden of Eden onward. Though surprisingly understated in Gospel of Mark, this moment secures a powerful hope—offering grace today and the promise of a future face-to-face with Jesus.
Mark 11:1-11 -As Mark’s account of Jesus moves toward the Cross, the Triumphal Entry may seem quiet to us—but for those who had waited centuries, it was electric. The question of the true King wasn’t just Israel’s struggle—it’s still ours today.
Mark 9:1-13 -We’ve hit fast-forward in the Jesus Story! In one week, we’ve shuttled from the mountain where the 10 commandments were given, over to the mountain where Jesus shows his true colours. This story is a shout-out to everything that has happened to this point in the Bible, and at the same time, a shout forward
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